A six-year-old boy has been suspended from lessons for having his hair too long – which he is growing to help child cancer patients.
Teachers at the Blanco Independent School District, in San Antonio, ordered Gareth Shand to leave his lessons because of his hair and the fact he has a diamond earring.
They said he was in breach of the school’s dress code and has been made to sit in the head-teacher’s office until he abides by the school rules.
Dispute: Gareth Shand is growing his hair to help child cancer patients but has still been suspended
Dispute: Gareth Shand is growing his hair to help child cancer patients but has still been suspended
His mother Kandi Shand told Kens5.com her son was growing his hair long so he can donate it to Locks of Love, a charity which provides hair pieces for young cancer patients, in a few months.
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She said he had worn the earring for five years with no problems when the family lived in South Carolina and in North Carolina.
Gareth said he had been teased at school for his earring and his long hair.
He said: ‘I hate people laughing about me. Actually it makes me mad.’
He added: ‘I like diamonds.’
Suspension: Gareth Shand, six, has been suspended from classes for having his hair too long. Pictured with his mother Kandi
Suspension: Gareth Shand, six, has been suspended from classes for having his hair too long. Pictured with his mother Kandi
Ms Shand said she plans to challenge the school on the suspension claiming her son has the right to express himself freely.
The school was unavailable to comment.
The district’s parent-student handbook states that boys cannot wear earrings and that they must have their hair neat, clean and well-groomed.
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