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But we can all agree that some of these codes are a bit unreasonable and unfair. If you don’t agree with that, maybe you need to see this incidence of a boy getting thrown out of school for having long hair.
9-Year-Old Joshua lives in Texas and has been growing out his hair to donate to a cancer society. However, his school is not allowing him to do so by threatening to suspend him because of his “inappropriate” hair.
His mother, Faye Abunijmeh, was exasperated after talking to the school’s superintendent.
She wrote on Change.Org:
“My son has been growing his hair to donate to the cancer society (we have yet to decide on which organization to go to), we are a few inches away from the required length of 12″.
“Last night at Meet the Teacher I was told he may not be able to start if he does not cut his hair. I contacted our Superintendent who forwarded my concerns to the Assistant Superintendent.
His response was:
“It is commendable that your son wants to grow his hair to donate to an organization such as Locks of Love.
“Joshua ISD has a dress code that all students must follow in order to attend school.”
“In relation to hair length for male students, the dress code states:
“Boys’ hair should not extend beyond the following limits:
“Front – Hair/Bangs, when combed straight down, must not be longer than the top of the eyebrows.”
“Side – The entire ear may be covered but should not exceed the corner of the jawbone on the sides. Sideburns should not be more than one-half inch below the bottom of the ear lobe.
“Back – Hair must be cut so that it is no longer than the bottom of the dress shirt collar or top of a t- shirt collar.
“Boys’ hair will not be worn in tails, ponytails, or buns.”
“The dress code was created with input from the community. The grooming section in the dress code reflects the standards that our community holds for students in our District.”
“While there may be differences in requirements for male and female students, all aspects were developed to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards.”
“When I said they are denying my child an opportunity asked for clarification on how it is a disruption, hygiene issue, let alone safety hazard matter?
When in fact he never met my child. He said they are not denying him any opportunity and didn’t answer the clarification on the reasoning of the rule.”
“I would understand if my child was dirty to the point he is disrupting the learning environment.
We do not have pets, not around animals so the hair is clean.”
“I also noted that its a religious custom and tradition and he then said:
“Religious objections to dress code are only considered when the area of controversy is mandatory according to the religion, not if it is traditional or customary.”
“SO HOW IS A GIRL’S LONG HAIR ANY LESS DISRUPTION OR SAFER THAN A BOY WITH LONG HAIR?? IT IS NOT IN HIS EYES, HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE JUDGED BASED ON HIS GENDER.
IF IT IS NOT AFFECTING THE PERSON PHYSICALLY, ACADEMICALLY SAFETY HAZARDS ARE TO BE NEUTRAL, THEY ARE ALL IN THE SAME ENVIRONMENT.”
Help me make a statement and get this ‘code’ changed, as it is not fair for all our male students, who wish to express themselves and are denied because of an archaic rule. “
