We live in the state of Texas and attend public schools. My question is: is the school district within it's legal rights to make boys have a certain hair length? Ex. not touching the collar or no longer than ear? We have no religous or ethnic reason for my son to keep long hair so is there any legal standing for us to fight this?
2007-08-23 12:07:27 · 11 answers · asked by kat_zimm 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I suppose the only argument that really holds water, is that the length of his hair is protected by his freedom of expression, i.e. a derivitive of freedom of speech. The counter vailing argument is that the school is not a proper forum for free speech and the school has a right to protect the "safety" of its students by enforcing uniform dress and hygeine. A similar argument was made back in the day, when a friend of mine wore an eighteen inch mohawk to school in Utah. She was summarily expelled and the argument that the school made was that it was protecting the safety of the students. Basically, they were suggesting that her hair was disruptive and could lead to conflicts, but it is difficult to see how that would apply in your case. Still, because governmental authority is very high in public schools it would be difficult to overcome the State's interest outside of a constitutional argument. The school shouldn't be able to arbitrarily decide what length of hair is appropriate either, such rule making would have to be made based on some research and could not infringe upon your rights without being first presented for public hearing with the school board. If no such rulemaking or hearing occured, the rule may be void. Call the ACLU. You may not like them, but they are there to fight for your right to be your own person.
2007-08-23 12:22:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend that lives in Alice, Texas and they have to wear school uniforms there. They are really strict. Their very first day there she got called because the belt was not correct. I guess if they can do that, they can tell you what length your hair is. Where I live we have a dress code, but the hair is not such a big deal, except it can't be distracting (blue, red, purple) colors. I would think that it actually is not a state issue, but a city issue, and if it was voted in that way, probably not much chance of fighting it.
2007-08-23 12:26:50 · answer #2 · answered by ganna 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only legal basis for fighting such a regulation that I can think of would be the vague "freedom of expression" contained in the first amendment speech clause. I'm not aware of any court ruling on the topic, so I guess it's a grey area and you could fight it if you want. But considering that courts have upheld school uniforms as perfectly constitutional, I don't think your odds are very good.
2007-08-23 12:15:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
School districts can have dress codes that include how long hair can be for males, females, and how worn.
If you cannot abide by the rules, then you cannot attend the schools.
You could locate a different school district with a different set of rules.
2007-08-23 17:01:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of a stipulation for hair length but we did have one at my schools in regards to a dress code.
As hair grows out of your head, I don't consider that part of the dress code.
2007-08-23 13:26:10 · answer #5 · answered by Lily Iris 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Difference between ''legal'' and ''school policy''...
the school cannot ''legally'' make your son get a haircut-
but they may not let him attend school, either.
Just another sign of school district's dictatorial authority.
2007-08-23 12:22:25 · answer #6 · answered by sirbobby98121 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would think that they are well within their rights, my public high school use to forbid girls from wearing tank tops, open toed shoes, or anything else that's revealing. It is to protect the students from getting distracted, and for disciplining them to be a better citizen in the future. They can issue any rules that they deem appropriate, and with good reason.
2007-08-23 12:14:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
An idea: Alert the local media. I bet if the media get involved, the school will decide it would be easier to drop the issue rather than force the subject.
Good luck!
2007-08-23 12:15:34 · answer #8 · answered by Norman 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If it is in the the rules of dress etc.yes they can or suspend them. Rules need to be followed and the Young people need to learn that early. But Mommy and daddy will probably sue.And the Child or young man will learn won't he how to sue and play the system.
2007-08-23 12:17:40 · answer #9 · answered by ♥ Mel 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, they can make him cut it. No you do not have any legal standing to fight it.
2007-08-23 12:29:27 · answer #10 · answered by raichasays 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋