MISSION, Kan. — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has raised concerns over a Kansas grade school’s enforcement of a policy that compelled an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair, a cultural expression inspired by his heritage, according to the ACLU.
In a letter dispatched on Friday, the ACLU called upon the Girard School District to revoke a policy at the elementary school that prohibits boys from maintaining long hair, asserting that it infringes upon state and federal laws.
The young boy, a member of the Wyandotte Nation, attended a tribal gathering designed for children during the summer. Witnessing many men embracing the tradition of keeping long hair, he decided to adopt this cultural practice, traditionally associated with mourning the loss of a loved one, as relayed by the ACLU.
However, in August, school authorities instructed him to cut his hair to conform to the dress code, the ACLU claimed. The boy’s mother visited the school in September, explaining that her son grew his hair for cultural reasons and offering to provide documentation of his tribal affiliation. Allegedly, she was informed that no exemptions could be granted.
The assistant principal then communicated via email on a Friday, instructing the mother to ensure her son’s hair was cut by the following Monday; otherwise, he would be sent home. Unable to reach the superintendent, the mother complied over the weekend, cutting her son’s hair. She believed it was the only way to prevent him from being excluded from school but noted that it distressed him as it conflicted with his spiritual tradition.
Superintendent Todd Ferguson stated in an email response that confidentiality laws prevent discussion of individual cases but assured that the board of education would review the dress code policy during a December meeting. He emphasized the commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and caring school environment for every student.
The ACLU’s letter highlighted the troubling historical context, citing a legacy of efforts to separate Native American children from their families and suppress their cultural and religious expressions. The organization drew attention to the fact that Native American children historically had their hair cut when placed in boarding schools, which aimed to assimilate them into white society.
The ACLU asserted that there is no valid reason for imposing such a requirement, especially when girls are permitted to maintain long hair. It argued that the policy reinforces rigid views of gender norms and roles.
Girard, with a population of approximately 2,500, is situated around 115 miles south of Kansas City. The ACLU’s intervention underscores the broader implications of cultural insensitivity and the importance of respecting diverse expressions within the educational framework.
