I love long hair on boys; from toddlers to grown men, I've always had a thing for guys with long, flowing locks. I don't have any sympathy, however, for a mom in Texas who is up in arms that her 6-year-old son, Gareth Shand, has been placed on in-school suspension for violating the school dress code by wearing his hair too long and sporting an earring.
We've seen cases like this before, and everyone is outraged that the child -- especially one who is growing his hair out for cancer victims (Gareth is, according to his mother, growing it for Locks of Love) -- isn't allowed to show his creative side. Those big mean school officials are trying to hamper kids' creativity; they just want to turn them into boring little conformists; no way, we want our children to express themselves!
Fine, but if it's against the rules, it's against the rules; and parents who encourage kids to break those rules are just setting a bad example and asking for trouble down the road.
It is a public school, and while I might argue that public schools should not have such dress codes, if they do, those are the rules. If you don't like them, then work to change them, or home-school your kids. Don't make them into rule-breaking rebels in the first grade.
Kandi Shan, his mother, told KENS5 they're not backing down. "He'll be sitting in the principal's office every day," she said. Great, I'm sure he'll be learning a lot in there. That's the thing that's most upsetting in these situations -- it's not really about what the kids want or is good for the kids when they're this small; it's about the parents wanting to make waves, garner attention, and somehow feel noble.
It will be interesting to see who caves first, the school or this family. I just hope poor Gareth, who by the way is all sorts of adorable with that long hair, doesn't fall too behind in his studies -- the REAL reason he should be attending school, not to make a fashion statement.
Do you think this boy should be suspended for wearing long hair and an earring to school?
Image via KENS5.com
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Comments 153
So I can understand the earring but just because a little boy has long curly hair doesn't mean he isn't well groomed and neat. If he's bathed and his hair is combed as well as it can who cares? This is like back in the 60's when my father started growing his hair out. Get a grip it's 2011 long hair on a boy is nothing new. Get over yourselves.
We knew someone who took their son in with them while they screamed and yelled at the teacher for not allowing him to have green hair. "It's a stupid rule, and if my son wants to have green hair, he can."
Okay - but you just taught your son that if his OPINION is that it is a stupid rule, then he doesn't have to obey it. He can do whatever he wants. Don't complain when he is a teen and screams at you about your STUPID rules. You taught him that was perfectly acceptable.
It's simple: change the rules to be a little more flexible.
Not rocket science.
I don't like rules that aren't necessary or helpful.
Who cares? The school cares. Part of the reason for a dress/appearance code is to teach kids that this is a place for *learning*, not for showing off how cool their new hairdo is or how expensive their shoes are. Schools are there for teaching more than just academic subjects, as evidenced by the ongoing sex-ed controversy. We've come to rely on our schools to teach social skills, as well.
And one of the social skills is... sometimes appearance matters. Not every workplace is going to be as open and understanding as the local bookstore where the Emo kids and the Star Wars Geeks all gather in happy harmony to discuss their latest piercings and tattoos. Some businesses expect suits, skirts, and yes, closely cropped, or well groomed hair. I see nothing wrong with schools teaching this to their students, as well.
As for this woman? She knew the rule was in place. Whether she likes it or not, the rule is there. She needs to deal with it, and not use her kid as her shield.
I agree once again with Ponychaser. I worked in a public school for 17 years and rules are rules for a reason and a lot of thought is given to them. You can't change them just because you don't like them. If they're a rule, it's been a problem. This mother KNEW this and wanted to fight the system using her child. How sad for him.
While I agree some rules can and should be bent, ones like this can't or the whole school will disregard them and dress codes are very important in some places.
Just FYI, almost all public schools have dress codes of some kind. They just aren't "plaid skirts and navy blue pants and white shirts" for boys types. Gang colors and slogan shirts are usually the ones most people break but they are there. Most people just don't realize it.
Too bad the mother couldn't be punished here instead of the child she made go to school like this and break the rules.
@banana-bear ... my thoughts too... i was expecting a kid with hair at least past his shoulders... huh indeed!
that said - rules are rules. if they knew them, and had every intention of breaking them anyway for Locks of Love (which is an amazing charity, and while i hate that *THIS* is how they get some recognition i'm glad they're out there) then they should have sat down with the school principal & teacher and had a little chat. if the school took a 'no exceptions' policy to their rule, then boohoo. keeping a kid OUT of class though and in an office instead does NOTHING to help this boy learn and grow. and do you realize how much kids learn in the 1st grade? the poor boy will be so behind just so... so... what? so his mom can take her "noble stance" on the nightly news? please, woman! be a MOM and put your son's education FIRST!