I hope this story has come across your eyes by now. I can't believe that there is actually a school out there that would continue with this fight. I can understand a school for wanting some kind of order or consistency amongst the students, but is fighting this battle in public the best option? In order for the school to reconsider they will need to have proof that Native Americans practice this as their religious belief. Just allow the student to continue with the families belief. How can this disrupt classroom behavior? A good teacher should be able to control and handle students of all types, long or short hair.
Do you feel that the student should cut his hair?
3 comments:
Gut reaction: Leave the hair alone. What happened to the separation of church and state here? I have strong opinions about my own religion, and respect and admire others who do, also. I also believe in the separation of church and state; no one shoudl restrict another person's beliefs.
Okay, but...you've dealt with parents who will say just about anything to get something for their kids even when all parties involved know the parent is lying. I'm not saying the parents are lying in this case, but I do agree that they need to produce some documentation as to their beliefs so that the district can honestly and fairly enforce or choose not to enforce the set policies, something so that when the next parent argues about purple hair or nose piercings or graffic tattoos the district can honestly and fairly address that issue with the same objectivity.
Agreed: the students' hair types don't make a difference in the teachers' teachings, but will it contribute to issues that are building in the hallways or cafeteria?
This story reminded me of a couple of male students at Northbrook HS back in 1988 who were told they could not attend school until they cut their hair. Our daughter was among those video taped at a protest march at the school. I hope you can see this archived story...http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1988_593333
Good point snunc. I only hope that this poor family won't have to endure any more frustration come the fall.
Scylla, I wasn't able to pull that story up but I'll take your word for it. History has a silly way of repeating itself.
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