Chattanooga: Mohawk controversy resolved

A 13-year-old Tyner Middle Academy student is back in class today after a brief in-school suspension Thursday stemming from his mohawk haircut.

“There was an in-school suspension to evaluate the situation, talk to the parent and talk to central office,” said Hamilton County Schools spokeswoman Danielle Clark, who confirmed that Bobby Dixson has been placed back into normal classes without having to change his hair.

“We reached a compromise, and everybody’s satisfied,” Ms. Clark said.

She said the decision to place him back in class had nothing to do with the Chattanooga Times Free Press’ call to the school Thursday afternoon, which was prompted by the boy’s mother, Shamar King.

“I was concerned about him,” Ms. King said. “I don’t let him sag (his pants). I don’t let him show his drawers. ... But he’s his own person. So I said, ‘I’m not getting his hair cut.’”

The school system has a certain “generic practice” on inappropriate appearance, according to Ms. Clark, but each principal has jurisdiction over his or her particular school’s specific dress code.

Tyner Middle’s dress code, which is posted online, says nothing about hairstyles. The only reference to hair is a ban on “unnatural colors.”

But the rules go on to say that, “In matters of opinion, the judgment of the teacher and/or the administration will prevail. The administration also reserves the right to adjust the dress code as new styles are created and to keep a safe and orderly school environment.”

Principal Delia Price deferred comment to Ms. Clark, who explained that administrators “deal with dress code issues every day” and have to evaluate them on an individual basis.

Bobby, who was warned by school administrators about his haircut Wednesday, said he was left wondering whether the evaluation process is fair.

“They have a double standard,” he said. “Girls can wear their hair any way they want. Why can’t I? ... I just wanted to do something different and have an interesting style.”

But ultimately, Ms. King said she was pleased with the outcome of Thursday’s debate.

“I enjoyed the conversation we had to solve the situation,” she said. “I think (Dr. Price) handled it appropriately.”

Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, also said the school “should be applauded.”

“We should laud them for recognizing that they perhaps made a rash decision when they suspended him,” she said.