One Student Wins, One Loses, Hair Length Challenge

Here is a follow-up on two recent cases (see prior postings 1, 2) in which high school students have claimed that school rules regarding hair length infringe their religious freedom. In Detroit, Michigan, Old Redford Academy (a charter school) has granted a religious exemption from its grooming rules to freshman Claudius Benson whose family's interpretation of the Old Testament precludes him from cutting his hair. Yesterday's Detroit News reports on the student's victory. However in Leakey, Texas, the school board voted unanimously Monday night to refuse to permit Rastafarian student Ben Jamin Daly to keep his hair long. KSAT.com reports that the decision means Daley will continue to be taught in an alternative program, in isolation from his classmates, and will not be permitted to participate in school activities, unless he cuts his hair.