The district told Arocha's parents the boy could keep his long hair only if he wears it in a single, thick braid and keeps it down the back of his shirt at all times. Adriel's parents have refused to subject their son to this policy. As punishment for non-compliance with its dress code policy, NISD has segregated Adriel from his kindergarten class and assigned him to In-School Suspension (ISS) every school day since Sept. 3. ISS is the harshest discipline the law permits for a child his age.
Lisa Grabel with the ACLU Texas said, "In Houston's climate, the idea of having a thick rope of hair shoved down your shirt every day certainly, I don't think arguably hygienic by any standard, and can serve no other purpose other than to humiliate this kid."
Needvile ISD's attorney has not returned our call for comment.
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