In an East Texas school, several students were asked to cut and dye their hair, as it was believed the reddish-color streak in their hair was associated with a gang int he Texarkana area. Although these students may not necessarily be members of the gang, the color was tied to it. The superintendent of the school explained that the decision was based on a report they got from the police department and chief of police.
The students say they are in no way associated with a gang and they wear their hair like that because it is their personality and in style. A spokesman for the Texarkana Police Department says they discussed the situation with the school district but they did not speak about how the hair color could be associated with gang activity.
A mother of two of the students is claiming that this is racial profiling and stereotyping.
Looking at the situation from an unbiased point of view, it is clear that the school is protecting their students the best they can by removing any type of gang relation from their school. If hair color is not addressed in the handbook, then the students may have an argument. However, it is more than likely that gang affiliation is addressed.
The students are allowed to express themselves, however when you attend a school, you must follow their rules. The school's mission statement most likely expresses the mission to provide the best education possible to its students. Removing any distractions and especially danger is no doubt included.
This is similar to companies handling behavior of employees. If employees do not follow the values and principles of a company's mission statement, they will be dealt with. This situation is very similar, in that the school is doing what is necessary to protect students, just as a company would to protect itself and its employees.
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