http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2009/12/get_a_haircut_you_danged_4-yea.php
SWAP Consensus:
This child's hair is in violation of the school rules, and these rules probably had an admirable goal of maintaining an acceptable standard of presentation, just as many schools implement dress codes. Indeed, the rules should be challenged, since it seems unlikely that this boy's hair is actually disrupting the education of his peers and since he is required to attend this school (unlike the military or a place of work). Unfortunately, his freethinking parents aren't suited to make the case. If this child had a religious or cultural reason to have long hair, he would have a better chance at overturning the extreme standards set by the school district. As it stands, it may be better for the child to understand that there will be rules that he doesn't understand that he will have to live with for now.
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Today's discussion focused primarily on a young Texan who has been suspended from school because he (and his parents) have chosen not to follow the school's rigid rules on appropriate haircuts. We talked about the differences between haircut rules and dress codes. We discussed why rules are created in the first place and what is gained by institutions that enforce rules on individuals' expressions of self. And we reminisced on our former schools' rules and how they related to fashions in our day (rat tails, mullets, short shorts, afros, etc.). This story highlighted some of our differences/values/histories (Scott's military experience, Wes's own long hair, etc.) Another success for team "SWAP" (Scott, Wes, Annie, Pat)!
ReplyDeleteThe more I think about it, the less sure I am about siding with the school so quickly. Yes, there are rules. And yes, it's generally in the interest of everyone that the rules are followed. But we all agreed that we'd support the parents if they petitioned to update/change the hair policy. Maybe that's what they're doing now by keeping their kid out of school. Maybe that's why they called the news. So why won't I support their current form of petition? Most likely because I have no investment in it at all.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do think the rule should be reexamined if they thought this kid's hair was a distraction. I think I could support the parents in their current quest until something is changed, or at least until I hear an answer from the school as to why the rule is written as it is and why they feel the kid should be segregated while at school. Maybe they do have a specific reason and it's not as arbitrary as it seemed on the news clip. But if it's a "just because" answer, then I would support someone challenging it.