Bold Hair Hues Lead to Suspension for 6th-Grader

@Fred, I am appalled at the self-righteous, closed-minded, ignorant attitude so proudly professed by a school teacher. I, too, am a teacher, and I DO agree that there are a disturbing number of students who either drop out completely or graduate High School having learned very little. What I find ridiculous is your implied assertion that hair color, clothing, or other choices of personal expression are what have caused the problems. A dress code prohibiting sexually provocative clothing, hate messages or obscenities, and accessories that may be deemed unhealthy or dangerous to the student or others (spiked arm bands, 6-inch stiletto heels, et cetera) is understandable; it prevents safety issues and disruptions in class (yes, sexy clothes DO cause disruptions and loss of focus in middle and high schools full of adolescent hormones!). Aside from these issues, though, personal choices such as hair color or style of clothing or whether or not a student wears jewelry have nothing to do with how well students behave in class or how much they are capable of -- or interested in -- learning.

I do believe that if the "dress code", including prohibition of hair color, is indeed clearly stated in the student handbook, and that handbook is signed by the student and parent, then they should not be upset when it is enforced. That being said, the streaks that girl had in her hair, while not her natural color, were a natural shade, and I cannot imagine anyone being distracted by a few red streaks. If that were my daughter and I knew the rules at the school, I would probably not be worried about those streaks getting her in trouble, and would be very surprised that she was singled out and punished for them.

In addition, I was actually rendered momentarily speechless when I read that last statement of yours ("Some of those people have foreign value systems that conflict with our foundational ideals and it is dangerous to have them here"). It disgusts me to think that that kind of uninformed reactionary prejudice is being spread to any of America's children by their teacher.

A lawsuit? based on what? people like you who say file a lawsuit over every trivial thing that may happen are idiots, what harm came to the girl? none!! she learned that maybe it's best to follow rules, even if you think they are to strict,, lifes tough she learned a lesson as did her mom who is the guilty one here,, lawsuit yea find a lawyer toi take that one on ,,,aint gonna happen

I hope they sue them too. Discriminating against people for expressing themselves is simply wrong. How would you like it if you were banned from someplace you wanted to go simply ebcause someone didn't like your hair or clothes.

I think the issue is -- she's probably only 12 years old, if that -- and she's coloring her hair, and mom thinks it's just fine -- it's the action not the result -- frankly, I think it's just stupid to color the hair at that age -- but then again, I don't think everything kids do is wonderful and fine -- and back them up, even when they're wrong -- where is the discipline nowadays.

I completely agree that their priorities are way off kilter. My son wanted the tips of his hair highlighted when he was 12 because that the style then and I allowed it because it didn't hurt anyone and he went to a school with a uniform policy. Save the space in In-School Suspension for the 12 year olds that are smoking and drinking and beating up other kids and make their parents attend too!

True true...this girl seems like a nice girl who doesnt do drugs or drink..I believe that if she had come to school with a mohawk..or spikes..etc..then the school would have a say..we are from texas and when my niece was going to middle school she wore her hair with purple streaks in it..never got kicked out..they should define what is not accepted..her hair looks nice..

What would you expect from a state that wants to rewrite their history books.

Kids are in school to learn . . .not to show off their so called creativity!

Um sure the kids are in school for part of the day during part of the week to learn but in dictating what students can and cannot do with their own hair crosses into their life outside of school. It's not like expressing yourself with clothing and accessories which can be changed once your out the school doors. You can't switch your hairstyle back and forth so they are basically dictating what students can do outside of school as well. This is beyond ridiculous I dyed my hair bright red when I was in grade 8 (actually it's been bright red since then day I'm now 26)
Just another reason I'm glad ny kids won't have to subjected to the ridiculous rules of school!