First day of kindergarten, Navaho boy banned for having long hair. Texas, where else?

[pnwmom]

Last edited Fri Aug 29, 2014, 08:45 PM - Edit history (2)

http://nativenewsonline.net/currents/five-year-old-navajo-boy-denied-admission-first-day-school-hair-long/

SEMINOLE, TEXAS — For five-year-old Malachi Wilson, the first day of kindergarten will always be one he remembers. As it turns out, Monday, which was the first day of school for students at F.J. Young Elementary School in Seminole, Texas, was not Malachi’s first day of school because he was sent home because of the length of his hair.

SNIP

She explained to the principal that for religious beliefs Native Americans consider hair sacred and spiritual. The principal then asked Wilson if she could prove Malachi is Native American.

“I told her yes and told her what tribe he is part of,” Wilson told the Native News Online on Wednesday night.

Even with the explanation, Warren would not relent. Malachi was denied admission on his first day of kindergarten.

SNIP

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Here is the student handbook for the school. It doesn't say a word about hair -- just that the code will be available after they start school.

So, of course, it's really important to ban a kindergartner on his first day. How was his mother supposed to know that there was a dress code that banned long hair (for boys only) but that if she provided documentation, she could get around it?

http://www.seminoleisd.net/users/0005/FJYHandbook14-15.pdf

Seminole ISD supports the belief that there is a close relationship between high standards of dignity and pride, with proper grooming. Personal appearance is most important. We are consciously and unconsciously judged by our dress and personal appearance. To ensure the health standards, safety conditions, and the proper educational environment is maintained, there are general grooming guidelines explained in the Student Code of Conduct which every student and parent receives at the beginning of the year.

Shorts are allowed at F. J. Young. Weather permitting, we play outdoors every day. Please see that your child is dressed properly. Coats with hoods or caps are needed for cold days. Please write your child’s name in coats, backpacks, etc.

[ret5hd]

1. Sounds like they maybe have a good part of his college education already paid for!

[procon]

2. Hair??? Seriously, it's 2014 and they are still obsessed with hair???

That ignorant principal is bigot and a racist. Her petty power trip left that school wide open for Civil Rights a lawsuit.

[Louisiana1976]

6. Yeah--the boy's parents should sue for everything they've got.

[malthaussen]

3. Gee, and to think I protested school dress codes 45 years ago.

What's that sign that keeps popping up? "I can't believe I still have to protest this shit?"
Even more ridiculous, of course, IIRC long hair is part of Navajo culture.

-- Mal

[LiberalAndProud]

4. I take this as evidence that you do not have to be smart to be a school administrator.

This one's got an education coming, I think.

[Codeine]

5. My first grader started school with a big blue-green

stripe in his hair. His sister went with blue and pink in her hair. Nobody said a negative word.

So glad I don't live in Conservativeland.

[ms liberty]

7. Wow. Civil rights violation, anyone?

She should be kept away from children. What kind of person treats a kindergartner that way? I'm appalled at this persons behavior.

[niyad]

8. "hair"

[niyad]

9. WHAT friggen' century is this, again?

[NightWatcher]

10. in Seminole, Texas ........

[pnwmom]

11. The irony . . . n/t

[LittleBlue]

12. Keep the long hair, cut the principal

What a stupid fight to pick with a student. Send that principal packing and find someone with common sense.

[KT2000]

13. Looks like the principal

is an out and out racist and bully. She needs to be fired.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

14. Sue the bastards!

That's my professional opinion.

Civil rights violation due to free exercise of religion.