Is this a violation of civil rights. We are native american. His hair is only shoulder legnth and kept very neat. anyone know of a lawyer in the Altus/Lawton oklahoma area who would know more about this..we may have to end up in court over this..seems crazy
2006-10-02 06:42:38 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Barbers are much less expensive than lawyers.
It seems silly to me to go to court over a teenager's hair length.
2006-10-02 06:50:56 · answer #1 · answered by abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is not only a violation of his civil rights, but possibly of his rights to Freedom of Religion. Many Native Americans (myself included) believe that growing one's hair long is a sign of respect to Grandfather (what the white folks call 'God'). In fact, there have been legal precedents for Indians being able to sue for damages when school officials have attempted to force the boys to cut their hair.
Personnally, I feel that the white males in our society do this as a form of punishment against others, and a form of self-hatred on themselves. It's similar to religious flagellation, which is nothing more than a symptom of severe emotional illness. Ever wonder why they cut a kid's hair off when he enters a reform school, or the military? It's to break the spirit.
Our hair should be reflective of our spirit, and a way of acknowledging the glory of our Creator.
But, among White society, folks don't like it when people are too proud or too free.
One compromise might be to have his hair braided back in cornrows. If there are any Black kids on the team, and if they have cornrows, well then your son should be allowed to as well. Not only would it be kept back out of his eyes, but he'd probably look really cool, too!
2006-10-02 06:57:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it comes to schools, schools are allow some leeway in abridging some civil rights due to safety and health concerns. Schools pretty much set the rules. (For example, a student's locker can be searched at any time without his consent.) It sounds as if he must cut his hair. The only thing I can think of that may override this is the long hair has to do with his religion. If this conflicts with freedom of religion, you may have an argument that they are excluding him based on his religion. Otherwise, it's just hair and it will grow back. If he doesn't want to cut his hair, then he will have to find another basketball team that will allow him to keep his hair long.
2006-10-02 06:53:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could be a personal view of the coach or principle that long hair will get in the way. However I would think that if he were to pull his hair back it wouldn't be a problem. And honestly, their personal views on hairstyles shouldn't be used to punish the kids. I don't believe the school can deny him the right to play based on the length of his hair but I'm not certain about Oklahoma's laws.
2006-10-02 06:47:32 · answer #4 · answered by kosmickittykyo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call the school for clarification and state your concerns. A compromise maybe that your son can tie back his hair during the game.
The problem with long hair is that it can be pulled are get in the way so it does pose a safety hazard. Schools need to be concerned with a child's safety from a moral and legal sense.
Has the school ever treated your child differently in the past? If not, than this is definitely a safety issue not a civil rights one.
2006-10-02 06:51:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Schools are aloud to have dress codes, why do you think kids should be able to do what ever because of there civil rights. If that was a job they would go "see yea" next. it helps to prepare them for life. believe it or not. And does it seems crazy to waste the courts time over hair!!!! if its the rule, its the rule, either cut it and play or hold your ground and don't play. I don't think its a racial issue. were I live there are certain codes that students must abide by or face the consequences and that's it. there is nothing wrong with rules as long as they are reasonable and fair.
2006-10-02 06:55:56 · answer #6 · answered by Belladonna 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If that is a rule upon playing for the team, he should either have to conform or not play ball. it's not his right to play, it's his privilege. i am sure that if there were other guys on the team that had long hair,, no matter what their cultural background is, they are being asked to cut it too.
Well, this does not have to do with civil rights as much as it does have to do with the sport itself.
2006-10-02 06:53:02 · answer #7 · answered by laneybeans 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
since when did schools go back to a dress code for hair? Ohhh it's a sports team. Different set of rules there for those kids. They have grade restrictions too. Check with the school board.
2006-10-02 06:46:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is ridiculous. That definitely seems like a violation to me. Or discrimination against long haired males. Either way, I would fight it till the bitter end. And never cut my hair.
2006-10-02 06:50:50 · answer #9 · answered by Gudelos 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you talked with the coach and the Principal? He should be able to pull it back! Your people have put up with enough!!! Take it to court if you have to!! Use the religious thing, you know it's your right from heritage to have long hair, it's what Indians do! Best of luck. Can't he tuck it under some kind of hat?
2006-10-02 06:47:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋