A student faces an unknown future in Peaster Independent School District (ISD) in Parker County after refusing to cut his hair to comply with the dress code.
Hudson Lucas, a sixth-grader, has never had a haircut, meaning his hair length runs counter to Peaster ISD’s rule that male students’ hair should not exceed the collar’s bottom.
Previously, the policy indicated that male hair should be off the shoulders, yet an amendment was made for the 2023-24 school term.
“Hair should be clean, groomed, and not prevent a clear view of the student’s eyes. Hair must be of natural color. Extreme hairstyles or adornments are prohibited. No extreme spiked hair, Mohawks, or shaved designs are allowed. Headbands and ponytails are restricted to females. Male hair length must not be below the bottom of the collar. Facial hair must be neatly groomed,” now reads the rule in its entirety.
While Peaster ISD has not commented publicly on the matter, Lucas’ parents said that their son has been threatened with in-school suspension if he does not cut his hair at least to his shoulders, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“We have had a meeting with the Principal and our new superintendent over the matter. At this time, the school district is holding firm and telling us we have a decision to make,” Lucas’ parents said.
They also claim in a letter addressed to the school board and superintendent that they had “reached out multiple times making sure his hair would be acceptable” even before the family’s move to the district.
On August 7, Hudson’s mother, Kristan, started an online petition, and as of August 12, it had received 12,126 signatures.
In an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, she explained that the enormous response to the online petition was unexpected.
She added that while her family and the district are at odds over the issue, she continues to be proud to be part of Peaster ISD.
“We do love our community, and we prayed for the day that we could call this school district home,” she said.
Among other North Texas ISDs, no dress codes make specific mention of students’ hair length.
This includes Dallas ISD, which has a school uniform policy for all elementary and middle-schoolers, as well as a clear backpack rule across all grade levels.
Those that do mention hair seem to emphasize aspects other than the length.
For instance, Arlington ISD suggests that hair “should be neat, clean, and reasonably styled.”
Frisco ISD similarly requires that “hairstyles … meet reasonable, school-appropriate standards that support a safe school environment.”
