A Texas teen is suspended from his high school for three months after school officials stated he will not walk at graduation unless he cuts off his long dreadlocks.
According to CBS News, Deandre Arnold is not allowed back to his high school and to walk graduation unless he cuts off his locs as ruled by the Barbers Hill ISD School District in Mont Belvieu. Superintendent Greg Poole said in a statement during Monday’s hearing that the policy has been enforced for over 30 years.
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“There is no dress code policy that prohibits any cornrow or any other method of wearing of the hair. Our policy limits the length. It’s been that way for 30 years.”
The school district says the policy has nothing to do with race or locs.
However, Black Lives Matter activist Aston Woods said the district’s policy is policing the appearance of black students in their schools:
“The dress code is designed by white people for white people and is damaging to black bodies,”
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Deandre’s mother, Sandy Arnold, is hoping that the outcome is not affecting her son’s future. The district’s decision will be announced in 48 hours.
“This is about all the other Deandres that could come through Barbers Hill.”
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