Howe’s hairy situation

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Reporter: Emi FitzGerald
Email Address: emi.fitzgerald@kxii.com

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Howe’s hairy situation

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HOWE -- Some students and parents in Howe are up in arms after disciplinary referrals were handed out for the length of student's hair.

Howe students say about thirty male high school students and about twenty middle school students were sent to the office on Friday and given disciplinary referrals saying if they didn't cut their hair before Tuesday, they would face in-school suspension.

Howe ISD superintendent Kevin Wilson said those numbers are exaggerated but refused to give a more accurate figure.

Howe school policy states male students cannot have hair below their collar or ear lobe. Students we spoke to say administrators typically enforce the dress code with students one at a time, but rarely on a large scale.

Wilson says each case is different, but they are following district policy.

Now some parents are asking for a change in that rule.

"I'm not saying they should have mohawks or have red hair or green hair. I'm just saying they should be able to be in style if that's what they want to be. It should be their choice, just like it is with girls," said parent Tracy Allen.

Wilson would not give an answer why multiple students were disciplined on the same issue a month before the end of the semester.

He says campus principals are in charge of enforcing the rules, and their policy is established.
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Some Howe parents say they plan to ask the school board to reconsider the policy at their meeting scheduled for next week.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: anonymous Location: Howe on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Why on Earth is this even being posted when this is over almost a year old????? Last modified- April 2007

Posted by: HHS Student Location: Howe on Apr 21, 2008 at 08:53 PM
I am a straight "A" student, National Honor Society, never had a detention good kid. I like having long hair. I don't see the problem with that. It doesn't hurt anyone or create a distraction. I signed the paper saying I'll follow the rules so for now I'm going to do that. As soon as i can I'm going to protest for the rule to be changed.

Posted by: anonymous Location: not telling on May 25, 2007 at 09:36 AM
The administration and people in Howe, America want everybody to look and act like farmers and wear funky looking cowboy hats and pants that are way too high wasted. And when people don't conform to the way they want to they think they can put these rules on the kids and punish them to make them act right. These kids are rebelling and doing things against the dress code because they are pushing the rule makers to see what they will do. If you had simple guidelines and are consistent on all the campuses in all the age groups, this would not be an issue. The school board needs to deal with the fact that there is a life outside of Howe America and everybody does not want to sit on a tractor for the rest of their life! let's see-how many people that have graduated from Howe have become president?mayor?govenor?famous lawyer? so...is the plan really working?! What are we "molding them to become?" I'm not sure it's working-maybe we should try something else..it's only hair-they are kids-they change what they like, as often as they change boyfriends and girlfriends at that age! leave it alone.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 23, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Just want to

Posted by: Barbara Location: Mathews on May 13, 2007 at 08:10 PM
The school administration should worry about a REAL problem. Hair length? Come on now.

Posted by: Someone Location: Texas on May 10, 2007 at 09:07 PM
There is no such thing as right or wrong hair. Look in the Bible- it doesn't mention it.

Posted by: Parent Location: Howe on May 10, 2007 at 08:50 PM
My son goes to the Elementary School and he has never had these problems, and his hair probably would not comply at the upper grade levels. I think the administration and teachers treat my son fair. He was told if it became a disturbance then it may need to change. His hair has not been a source of disturbance for others and he has kept it this way most of the year. We are not well to do or have a long standing in the community either...I am happy to be in Howe...

Posted by: Rory Location: Dallas on May 10, 2007 at 06:26 PM
I had long hair once...

Posted by: Andrea Location: Earth on May 8, 2007 at 05:51 PM
I think that long hair on men looks sloppy and promotes anarchy in schools. Kids need order and structure in their lives and need to seen not heard!

Posted by: Hooser Location: indianalpolis on May 8, 2007 at 09:50 AM
as a former student of howe not but 3 years ago we had a battle for sandles, nice sandals could be worn but not cheap looking sandals. This causes problems because whose to say what constitutes looking nice and some expensive sandals look cheap. Point is, Howe has always had rules with holes and problems in them.

Posted by: Daniel Location: Here on May 8, 2007 at 09:46 AM
Howe has always been in the news for something i.e. paddling, football players quitting, flip flops, etc. and the one thing I've learned is that Howe is the most stubborn school when it comes to changing and I highly doubt anything will happen this year just so that the system can try to save their pride. They don't want to give in because their beliefs are being challenged and due to that in order to save face they'll not do anything this year to prove a point that they can't be swayed so easily. In other words be ready to wait for something to change.

Posted by: Texoma Location: GC on May 8, 2007 at 08:27 AM
The lenght of a students hair has nothing to do with education. let kids be themselves

Posted by: Holden Location: Caulfield on May 7, 2007 at 07:02 PM
"My Son, Jesus had long hair while He was on Earth and I think He turned out OK..." Right on. The whole idea of dress codes is to curb distractions in the classroom. I went through all this attending high school in the 70's. What BS. Personal appearance is not the distraction. The distraction comes from students that need the attention they are not getting at home, and act out in school to get it. They need parental discipline (and may I be as bold as to say they want it). Be a parent. The school board should drop the hair guidelines. I suppose as one poster suggested they could "spike" their hair and all would be forgiven?

Posted by: howe student Location: duh on May 7, 2007 at 03:49 PM
The part about the school not pulling groups of guys for their hair is a big fat lie! I am a witness, and many other kids too!

Posted by: HMS Student Location: Howe on May 7, 2007 at 03:47 PM
I was actually put in ISS for not having hair "appropriate" toward the dress code, meaning :below ears and below eyebrows. After the first day I served I had to cut my hair because i was told that there would be no way to pass my grade and go onto the next if I stayed in ISS for the rest of the year like I had originally planned. I was also told by the ISS teacher that after one week i had my desk taken away , then after another week my chair was taken away. The next day I reported to the office the principal demanded I take out one of my earrings , until I insisted he look up the actual dress code in the handbook and he was proven wrong. I have harly ever if not never acted disruptively in any of my classes , and all of my teachers will agree. It is just plain stupid that they can punish boys for our choice in hair style, especially when one of my friends who happens to be a girl just got most f her hair buzzed off. This is sexual discrimination.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Gunter on May 6, 2007 at 09:56 PM
It is true that there is a double standard in schools. If your not from a well to do family or your parents do not have prestigious jobs you're basically a nobody and are looked down on. It's just sad the school board and administration can not focus on more important issues. That is why everyone needs to get out there and VOTE and do something about it. Actions speak louder than words.

Posted by: glenda Location: denison on May 6, 2007 at 08:31 PM
there is no reason that these students should have to cut their hair just because of some prudes in the local community sorry that you are offended by the long lenghths of hair maybe should worry about something more important there are several different things that need focus other than the hair of students

Posted by: D Location: Bonham on May 6, 2007 at 12:47 PM
The problem here is not the Howe dress code,it`s the rebellion to the Biblical dress code. Males should have short hair and females long hair. Your Either in submission or in rebellion to the word of God. Your or My opinion on scriptural things such this really are irrelevant.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 6, 2007 at 06:52 AM
To Bob in Anna, It would be wrong if some were fired for wearing long hair, and some, because of their names or who they are kin of, were allowed. I imagine in the work place they could get sued for discrimination, don't you?

Posted by: Bob Location: Anna on May 5, 2007 at 08:32 AM
I think the kids and their parents are trying to get attention and not follow the rules. What if this was a "work" situation and his boss told him to cut his hair or he would have to be fired because that was the "rule" of his work place? Would you still think this would be an appropriate action (fighting the hair code) or would you tell him to cut his hair?

Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: Howe on May 5, 2007 at 12:31 AM
In response to Tracy: Quite the opposite, I am a leader and I lead by example. Had your child not signed the Handbook and agreed to follow the rules your argument would carry more weight. If I for one moment thought your child was being singled out then I would lead the challenge. If you truly feel the rule needs to be changed there are proper channels you can go through. I do encourage you to go the School Board and exercise the freedoms that this great country is founded on. Likewise, for those of you who posted that others were not called out, I encourage you to go to the Board meeting as well.

Posted by: fired!! you dont meet my my ,y standands Location: howe on May 4, 2007 at 11:32 PM
me and my sibs have all gone to to school in howe and all graduated from howe. our kids have done the same . and now our grandkids are going in the same place. but nothing has changed really in all these years. cliques are still there. have you ever heard of harper vallay pta? well let me tell ya there is so much of that ,I know so much on some of our big dawgs it would make your head spin. so some of you big wigs out there need to sit douwn and sweep your own back porch. because!!!!!!!!! you were ther also and in some cases even worse then these kids todays. you let the teachers teach the kids to lay down on the carpet to read to study to get over their mad spells or what ever . when they go to work do the howe big wheels let you lay down to teach or get over bad kids because they have long hair or they are in need of space!!! to me that teaches the kids alazy!!!!!!!!!!!working habit. not counting the teacher a bad habit to teach in lazy way. I know the teachers are a good set, but hair clothes, that does not keep a kid from learning. what would , is someone who thinks they are so much better than someone else. that is howe !@!!!!!!!!!!! new people come in they really !!!!think they are better. but you are!!! not ! if you want our are your kids to be taught to learn regardless of whether they are rich are poor or have a good name leave them alone and let them decide what they!!!!want to look like . their education is for you to teach not!!!thier lives to live. life is to short. may god bless all of you who try to control over our lord . because you are going to need it for condemming a child regardless of his race color religon or self image.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 4, 2007 at 05:39 PM
I would still like an explanation as to why all the students were not forced to comply with the dress code. The band director's son has the worst hair I've ever seen. There is no trace of an earlobe or even an eyebrow. It also comes to the collar of his t-shirts that don't even have a collar.

Posted by: Anonomous Location: Denison on May 4, 2007 at 04:46 PM
The rules should apply to everybody, PERIOD, and not just the select few who are not considered the upper epsilon of society, and that's how it certainly apears.

Posted by: Tracy Location: Howe on May 4, 2007 at 01:26 PM
What if all the mothers in the US had told their daughters "I'm sorry you can't vote like Men, but you have to deal with it, it's the RULES." If we never try to change unjust rules and discrimination things will never change for the better. It is time for all the school districts to get with the times and make the rules all unisex so certain people are getting dicriminated against. Please go out and vote on May 12th, MAYBE something will change. Also, after my son cut his hair, the principle told me that he wouldn't have supported the ISS teachers decisions to take my son's desk or chair away and his teachers told me the next day that they WOULDN"T have given him zero's, but the threats (lies) made my son give in because he DOES care about his grades. If you don't support your children when they are discriminated against, WHO WILL? THIS IS THE POINT!!

Posted by: Ellie Location: Denison on May 4, 2007 at 06:42 AM
While I believe that rules should be followed, I also believe that some rules are outdated and should be changed. My daughters attend schools in Denison and the focus in Denison seems to be more about education and making good grades - not about the length of one's hair. Maybe that's one reason Denison schools have such high ratings.

Posted by: Parent Location: Howe on May 3, 2007 at 10:47 PM
Someone ought to get KXII or FOX4 or any other news station to reveal that taking a childs desk away from them is ILLEGAL and that giving them a ZERO even if he does do his work is also ILLEGAL. I'm just saying someone ought to.

Posted by: Parent Location: HOWE on May 3, 2007 at 09:36 PM
PLAIN AND SIMPLE..... There are rules to follow, we as parents are responsible of teaching our children to follow the rules. Parents should be setting the example, and should not be assisting your into breaking the rules.

Posted by: Tracy Location: Howe on May 3, 2007 at 09:28 PM
The regular School Board meeting is May 24th and I've learned from the Super. that you do not have to be on the agenda to speak because at the beginning of every monthly meeting there is something called "Public Forum" I will be there to speak and I hope others come to support the boys from future discrimination. "Concerned Parent" you are obviously a follower and not a leader and I feel sorry for your kids that you wouldn't stand behind your child if they were being singled out for discrimination. That is the point........ Thank you to all of you who get it. It's not about rules, but being mean to certain students when it suits them on a whim, not a structured and consistent environment. Hope to see you at the meeting on the 24th. This isn't about "Howe schools". I love the teachers of Howe that care about the kids and helping them get a good education. Thank You Teachers!!

Posted by: Parent on May 3, 2007 at 09:08 PM
I pick my child up from the school everyday and I saw at least a dozen boys come out the front door who had hair that was not dress code. Once again, why is it okay for them and not this one student. He embarrassed the administrators of HISD by letting Grayson County know what these people are really like. Parents need to dig deeper and get a little more information regarding what schools are allowed to do. Howe may have their rules, but there are also rules that are outlined by the state. Schools cannot give a student a zero for refusing to cut their hair when there are other students who are guilty of the same offense.

Posted by: Community member Location: Howe on May 3, 2007 at 07:31 PM
Howe I.S.D. has a strong tradition of supporting our children's dreams and aspirations. The schools have provided so many positive contributions to our children's lives and community. I hope we can reflect on the proud heritage and not focus on a news story that plays to our emotions rather than our common sense. It is true there are more important issues at our schools. We should not waste administrators and board members valuable time, when they are working so hard for our kids. The reason more homes are being built, is the strong desire outsiders' have to send their children to a quality school. I encourage everyone to attend a board meeting, a PTA meeting, and other school activities, it will build awareness and a committed message will always be heard.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 3, 2007 at 07:00 PM
The real point is some can and some can't. Why is that Parent?

Posted by: Parent Location: Howe on May 3, 2007 at 04:44 PM
The only point is that there are rules and that kids should not be taught to break them. Regardless of when they are enforced. It is simply breaking a rule. That is the only point to all of this....

Posted by: Anonymous on May 3, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Tracy, we have the freedom of speech. Don't let them tell you you can't speak at their meeting. Talk over them if you have to. Call up the news station and get them there as well and then see if they try to deny you to talk. Cameras are a funny thing when it comes to what others will let you do.

Posted by: Parent Location: Howe on May 3, 2007 at 03:45 PM
In response to "Concerned Parent": All students did sign the handbook, including mine. However, I see the rules being selectively chosen and selectively applied. If you don't believe me go watch the students coming out of the HS building. You will see numerous dress code violations every single day. The handbook is very clear on clothing. As a parent, my kids are required to adhere to the dress code and it makes me angry when I see select students being "in true defiance of the rules", without punishment, and I'm left trying to explain why certain students are allowed to break the "rules". I believe it's a much bigger issue than your "don't do the crime if you can't do the time". The issue is: If you have rules, apply ALL of them fairly and consistently, THROUGHOUT the school year.....instead of when you feel like it....

Posted by: In reponse to Parent Howe on May 3, 2007 at 03:30 PM
Posted by: Parent Location: Howe Posted by: diane Location: howe In response to quote: "The parents need not waste their time with the board or school. They won't listen to you. They stick together and don't care what anyone else thinks." GO VOTE!! In response to you, how do you think you know if I vote or not. I do vote......

Posted by: Anonymous on May 3, 2007 at 03:27 PM
The school should be in in big trouble for what they are doing to that boy.It should be against the law to make a kid sit in the floor. It doesn't surprise me with it being Howe. I have heard lots of stories about dealing with that school. Eventually, they are going to be in a lot of trouble.

Posted by: anonymous Location: denison on May 3, 2007 at 03:24 PM
let them do as they want to the school year is almost over anyway.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 3, 2007 at 02:49 PM
You can tell who the parents of the "clique" are in this bunch. You don't wait until the end of the school year to start enforcing the rules, and what do you have to say about the "special treatment" of other students being allowed to do as they please because of who they are??? I don't see any of you addressing that issue......

Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: Howe on May 3, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Everyone keeps missing the point again and again. At the beginning of the school year every student in Howe ISD was given a Student Handbook that they had to read and sign. This was a contract that they would follow the rules within the Handbook or face the consequences. We are not in a debate of whether boys should have long hair. That issue is in black and white in the Handbook. To Ms. Allen, basic rules of any meeting, City Council, School Board, Girl Scouts, you must be on the agenda to speak. To the punishment, how do you handle someone who is in true defiance of the rules? That is what we are dealing with now so what would be fair. Obviously the young man wanted to be made an example. Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.

Posted by: Parent Location: Howe on May 3, 2007 at 10:39 AM
Posted by: diane Location: howe In response to quote: "The parents need not waste their time with the board or school. They won't listen to you. They stick together and don't care what anyone else thinks." GO VOTE!!

Posted by: Parent Location: Howe on May 3, 2007 at 10:38 AM
It is about rebelling against authority and should not be tolerated. What kind of adult will this create? One that rebels against authority. Parents should support their schools in this respect and teach their children to follow the rules. When they drive, will they be doing 90mph in a 70mph, have an accident, and then maybe the parent would have wished they would have taught them to not rebel....

Posted by: Ashamed of HISD Location: Howe on May 3, 2007 at 10:10 AM
Thank you KXII for exposing Howe ISD. Their poor handling of this particular issue as well as other comments I have read, clearly paint a picture of bias and inconsistency by this administration. I am now embarrased to tell anyone I have a child attending this school. They should be ashamed and publicly apologize for this mess.

Posted by: Tracy Allen Location: Howe on May 2, 2007 at 10:12 PM
School board meeting 5-3-07 and you must be on the agenda to speak and so far no good, so kind of pointless to go if you can't speak. My son served ISS today and was told that now he would start getting zeros and next week his desk would be taken away and if it continued until the following week, then his chair would be taken away. He would be sitting on the floor all day trying to keep his grades up even though he would be getting zero's for participation. How many schools have these over the top punishments for such a trivial infraction? My son is a good boy and doesn't deserve to be treated like this, so we did trim his hair, his choice by force of administration. I think ignoring my request to speak for 5 minutes at the meeting and going to all the extremes to punish my son show me how completely childish they are. My son is more mature than the majority of these decision makers. I want to thank everyone who supported the boys in their quest to be treated fairly and without discrimination. Good luck to anyone who wants to change things in Howe. I wonder how they are going to handle it when the school doubles in size with all of the new homes being built. One day they will be out numbered by parents who want change and equality for all of their kids.

Posted by: teresa Location: tom bean on May 2, 2007 at 08:37 PM
I'm sorry, i'm a parent of a 17 year old teen, and teens have their own styles. As long as they don't have ridiculous hair-dos and it's not down below their shoulders it should be fine. I am actually the one that cut the hair of one of the boys on the interview, he wanted it cut for prom, and it looks good, then and now. If the schools are wanting to go to such strict dress codes, then they need to have a barber and supply uniforms. Now from what I understand, the state doesn't want to dish out the money for those things, so the schools take it upon themselves to enforce it. You have to understand, not all of these teens have families that can afford to go out and buy new clothes everytime the school decides to change the dress code. This close to the end of the year, they just need to let the kids "learn" instead of hassling about their hair-dos.

Posted by: Veteran Location: Howe on May 2, 2007 at 08:15 PM
Come on teachers don't you remember when you were young you probably had long hair too. Why are you getting on to our youth if you ride them they Will rebel. I mean i served this country for 10 years in hopes that my offspring and my grandchildren could live in a free environment. But it is towns like Howe that are destoying our youth.

Posted by: Relative Location: Sherman on May 2, 2007 at 08:12 PM
My little cousin goes to school in Howe and i am pretty sure that hair has nothing to do with the way you act. I mean my couain has long hair and as far as i am conserned he is a good kid with good grades need i go on.

Posted by: Former Student Location: McKinney on May 2, 2007 at 08:09 PM
That is the DUMBEST thing I have ever heard. What is wrong with long hair does it make you an athiest. Some of the most christian like people in the country have long hair!!! I mean open your eyes and look what is in style and you will see that the thing is long hair!!!

Posted by: crux Location: Howe on May 2, 2007 at 08:06 PM
I think there is a greater issue at hand here. We should be more concerned with those of us who posted comments failing miserably at spelling and punctuation.

Posted by: Parent Location: Sherman on May 2, 2007 at 07:54 PM
My son is a former Howe student and he got in trouble for having long hair too. Well there is A LOT of discrimination going on up at the Howe High School. For instance why is it that the dress code is the same for girls and guys except for hair length, ear rings, and shorts. How come girls are allowed to wear kapris but guys can't wear their shorts which are about the same length. Also my son brought this up and a teacher said "Well you go ahead and wear a dress." But he asked well could he wear long hair then and the teach DIDN'T have an answer. Also just to warn anyone that might bring this up in front of a teacher or coach who has a kid in the school system. If you do bring this up and say that it is a double standard the teacher gets VERY deffensive and will ARGUE. Well these are just a FEW problems at the SMALL town... no village of Howe.

Posted by: Someone Location: Howe on May 2, 2007 at 04:07 PM
Only one person at the High School was sent to ISS for not cutting his hair (the one featured in the story). A few DID cut their hair, but the rest weren't even in trouble. They were never sentenced ISS or even talked to by the Assistant Principal, the very person who should be enforcing this equally to all. Fairness? Hardly.

Posted by: Howe Dad on May 2, 2007 at 03:50 PM
To Howe HS ISD administration and school board - APPLY THE SAME RULES TO EVERYONE CONSISTENTLY, QUIT SHOWING FAVORITISM......You have no credibility with the students.

Posted by: Typical Howe HS Politics Location: Howe on May 2, 2007 at 03:45 PM
There have been 2 sets of rules in Howe for as long as I can remember. If your child is a teacher/coach or your last name is prominent in the community, you can wear your hair or clothes any 'ol way you want. Rules are stretched, bent, twisted, etc. If your anyone else and you pose no threat to the administration, you better follow the code to the letter of the law, or get your Ipod ready for a tour of detention. I would leave my name but I know my child would face retaliation from the HS admin.

Posted by: Former Student Location: Howe on May 2, 2007 at 02:36 PM
I would LOVE to include my input on this whole ordeal. I am a former student of Howe High School, lucky me. I was faced with ISS all on account of wearing a band t-shirt. When I was sitting in the pricipals office, I clearly pointed out several students who came to school with there skin-tight American Eagle t-shirts and there Abercrombie sweatshirts. His response is that "it was being taken care of". I highly doubt that. When in the parking lot I glance around and see ever the so popular teachers/school board children having violated the dress code. But all these current high school students have a parent that is on the school board. If these so called teachers/school board kids can get away with so much, then why do we have our kids go to the extreme to have there hair trimmed. Who is it hurting? Is it going to offend somebody if they do have there hair long. That is the new "fad". This older generation needs to open there minds a little bit and realize that there are more things to focus on then hair and t-shirt. What is this world coming to???

Posted by: Anonymous on May 2, 2007 at 01:03 PM
My child attends this school. Yep, double standards on EVERYTHING. Even right down to extra credit work. Some can, some can't. It all depends on who you are and where you come from....

Posted by: Howe Parent on May 2, 2007 at 12:37 PM
What some of the people are not aware of is that the Howe school district, like so many other districts, practices a double standard. The number of boys sent to the office was less than 10. Upon returning to school on Tuesday, all but 3 had their hair cut. Of those 3, only one was made to sit in ISS. Guess which one. That's right, the one who went public and exposed Howe's dirty little secret. It doesn't matter if it's hair, or clothes, there are those student's who are allowed to do whatever they want because of their name or the fact that their parent is a teacher, school board member, booster club member, etc.. Things in this little town never change.

Posted by: M Location: Howe on May 2, 2007 at 11:36 AM
And had the rule been enforced at the BEGINNING of the year, it WOULDN'T be on the news. It's called consistency. Something they don't have as evident by some of the comments and what I have seen as a parent in the Howe ISD. Just depends on who you know there. If you don't believe this, look at the 2 by 2 logo enforcement. If you are a cleancut, so called prep then you can wear larger logos. If you're not, well, you get detention, ISS, or have to change. VERY inconsistent rules enforcement.

Posted by: "good idea" Location: howe alumni on May 2, 2007 at 11:34 AM
The guys should all spike their hair up and that way it will be above collar length, at least until summer.

Posted by: atticus Location: finch on May 2, 2007 at 11:31 AM
let boys have ther hair how they wont it. its ther choce ant if they wont ther hair long they shood get it. becuze ther scool werk is mor inportent than fason. the scool sestem shood let thim do wat they want wit ther hair.

Posted by: Sherman Teacher on May 2, 2007 at 10:44 AM
I too believe this is all silly. I was at Sherman's DAEP, (Disciplanry Alternative Education Placment), We had male students in there that have long and short hair. Is hair really the problem? I don't think so. The student on the news has a point. His hair did not get that long over night. If the school system had a problem with it, then they should have done something about it way before now. Howe needs to take a close look at other school systems and learn from them. Hair is not the problem. In Sherman we have several boys that have long hair, that does not make them bad. The parents of this young man should take this up with the school board and the board needs to listen to all parties involved. The administration at the school has lots of questions that need to answered. They need to be held accountable for not upholding the rules before now.

Posted by: Teacher Location: Van Alstyne on May 2, 2007 at 10:29 AM
I believe on the first day of school students are given the dress code and if the school says that no long hair had been ruled out since the beginning of the school year,I don't see why those students are complaining. They need to grow up and quit going to mommy and daddy if things don't go their way.

Posted by: God Location: Heaven on May 2, 2007 at 09:09 AM
My Son, Jesus had long hair while He was on Earth and I think He turned out OK...

Posted by: C Location: Antlers on May 2, 2007 at 08:45 AM
I think this is sexual discrimination, only making one gender follow certain rules while it doesnt apply to the other gender. I think it is ridiculous because your hair has nothing to do with how you perform in school. The boys at Antlers High school cant wear shorts but the girls can still wear their "capris" if they are down to their knees. Most boys' shorts are down their knees or past them so why cant they wear their shorts. It is the same thing, sexual discrimination.

Posted by: Ato Location: Grayson on May 2, 2007 at 07:35 AM
Someone mentioned a "Clique" in Howe. It appears the requirements for that are the following: 1. Must be a female 2. Must be a mildly attractive female 3. If you are in athletics, that's a plus. Honestly, I see so many girls (and its only girls, never guys) break Dress Code in almost every way imaginable (bigger logo than 2x2 "IT's a design". Since when is Abercrombie a design?" "No Camo is allowed" "But I'm a senior, a girl, an and athletic person!" "Hmm, ok camo is allowed for you") here at Howe. 90% of the time they get away from it because they make up an excuse. Those excuses don't work for guys...I've tried, believe me.

Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: Howe on May 2, 2007 at 06:44 AM
It is sad that most of the comments have missed the point. The point is not whether or not boys should have long hair, it is whether they should follow a set rule. This rule was established before school started and did not make the news then. I know for a fact that the School has enforced the code all year long. I know of several boys that have been told to get their hair cut. The parents took the kids and got their hair cut, problem solved. The only reason this is an issue is that these kids want to “buck the system” and break the rules and the parents are allowing this behavior. I agree with John from Sherman, we all must follow the rules or be willing to accept the consequences. A side note to this is the comparison between boys and girls. Newsflash, they are different and different rules apply. This has been the fact since Adam and Eve. Both genders have rules that apply to them in the dress code.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 2, 2007 at 05:17 AM
They don't tell me how long I can wear my hair at my job.

Posted by: doris Location: howe on May 2, 2007 at 12:20 AM
I HATE THAT THE LONG HAIR ON BOYS! I BELIVE IT SHOULD BE TO THE COLLAR! DON'T CHANGE THE RULES,,, WHEN MY DAUGHTER I HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH HER STYLE AND HAIR... {GOTH/SKATE BOARD LOOK{ IT WAS RUNNING OUR HOME LIFE..I BELIVE IF WE SET OUR RULES FOR OUR KIDS WILL STAY IN SCHOOL IN STEADY OF GOING TO SCHOOL TO SEE HIPPY HAIR/ MOST BLACK ON/ PANTS PAST THERE REAR ENDS/ SCHOOL IS THE ONLY PLACE I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE THAT STICK.. KIDS DON'T RESPECT TEACHERS/ AND CLASS MATES LIKE THEY SHOULD. SCHOOL IS A PLACE FOR RESPECT OUR POOR TEACHERS GO THREW SOM MUCH AS IT IS. IF WE KEEP GIVING WHAT THEY WANT ALL THE TIME SOON THEY WILL BE RUNNING THE SCHOOL OR HAVE THEY ALREADY?

Posted by: Casey Location: Denison on May 1, 2007 at 11:38 PM
What happened was, One wealthy parent, maybe two who have preppy kids complained to a school board member because there child could not take up for him or her self. Hmmmmmmmmm, How can we get revenge on this kid, Oh I know , lets make him cut his hair. OK Bob , make it so. Board member gets a payoff, keeps his or her job and land a few extra bucks. Its all about the money and keeping the facade of being a pillar of the community. I would bet these people are "christian" also. Of course they have never sinned or broken a rule.

Posted by: High School Teacher Location: Sherman on May 1, 2007 at 11:12 PM
"When did schools start taking over the raising of children?" ~dexter dweller ...when parents stopped. Thank you and God bless you to all of the parents who actually parent, but I'm pretty sure the public would be appalled by what teachers, counselors, and administrators see on a daily basis. Teachers don't quit because they're not being paid enough; they quit because the emotional strain is too much. If only we could adopt all of the kids who are neglected or outright abused. Personally, I don't care about hair at all. You can disagree with one rule without condemning the entire school system. Do not judge schools for trying to take an interest in your child's life. Most of us care tremendously about their well-being in addition to their education.

Posted by: Tracy Allen Location: Howe on May 1, 2007 at 10:24 PM
I hope the point isn't getting missed in this situation. It's not about rules, it's about choices on when to enforce these rules and choices on when to change these rules. Boys and girls should have the same rules and the administration shouldn't decide to enforce the rules on a whim. One month before school gets out is a mean time to force boys to cut their hair off. We have complied with the hair rule the one time it came up, the first day of school. We have kept it trimmed, but have recently let it go so he could have longer hair for the summer. As you can see by the picture his hair isn't extremely long and it isn't disruptive or dirty. I'm standing behind my son and his choice to stay in ISS the rest of the year rather than cut it. He is a smart, honors student and I'm not a parent who let my kids do whatever they want. We are involved in all aspects of our childrens lives and our goal is to raise intelligent, independent minded adults. My support of these boys is more about the timing and the malicious way it was done to 50 or so of OUR boys in HISD than the rule itself, though it needs to change with the times. The difference between work and school is that you are paid to follow the rules at work and we pay for our schools. I have 5 kids in the HISD and I love this school and these great teachers. I just find the timing of this sudden decision to enforce the one rule that would upset the boys completely unjustified.

Posted by: Ali Location: Denison on May 1, 2007 at 10:13 PM
I think the male students should be able to have long hair if that is what they wish. It is in my opion discrimination. I think the schools just need to concentrate on teaching the students. It is hard enough for kids now days as it is. Leave the kids alone and let them be kids. They are not in a work place, if they were then it might be different depending on the job. It is hard enough to keep the kids in school, but if they are pushed to do something they don't like they will then want to go to another school, just like if anyone has a job they don't like they look for another one.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Cheri, go cry somewhere else. I'll be willing to bet if you look back to when you was in school and had a substitute come in your class mis-behaved as well. Again, a childs hair length has nothing to do with his ability to learn. I agree that if the teachers and such are more worried about a childs hair then they are not concentrating on their real jobs and that is TEACHING. Do it or quit. I say all the kids should grow thier hair out and then it can't really be called ISS anymore then can it? It would then be called segragation. Boys in this class room and girls in that class room.

Posted by: Laddie Location: Denison on May 1, 2007 at 09:45 PM
I don't find anything wrong with long hair. My husband grew his hair out long for 10 years and then had it cut to give to a non-profit organization for children. He held a "white collar" position and is a collage graduate. I will say that some people look down on the ones that they think do not meet up to their standards in appearance. As long as it is kept clean I say let it be. There is only 3 weeks left of school. This issue should have been discussed before now.

Posted by: John Location: Sherman on May 1, 2007 at 09:10 PM
It's the schools job to teach, and this is a lesson. The school,just like an employer has the right to enforce a dress code. If your employer says no long hair no ear rings no visable tattos then you follow the rules or you no longer have a job. In school you learn to follow the rules or go to ISS. Your not denied an education so you have no right to sue. Parents making a big deal of this are just setting their child up for failure. Tell your child there will always be rules they won't like, deal with it.

Posted by: W Location: Howe on May 1, 2007 at 05:48 PM
This is sexual discrimination - if boys hair cannot be long (touch collar, below ear lobes) then that should be the rules for girls also. Singling out one gender is discriminatory. Additionally for the comments regarding school boards and dress codes - when the 'new' dress code was first being reviewed - many parents were against it and we voiced our opinion - the school board ignored us and did what they wanted instead. My children tell me of many other kids who do not get in trouble for violating the dress code - but the non-in crowd do get in trouble. This is also discriminatory. Perhaps the powers that be on the school board in Howe should do some research about discriminatory practices - this would be a good learning experience for them. Learning is what should be happening in a school setting not worrying about the length of someone's hair. So long as it is clean it is not a distraction. I agree that distractions do impact learning (weird colored hair, promiscous clothinng, etc - all of which can be not allowed without being discriminatory) but the length of someone's hair - give us a break!!!!

Posted by: Howe teacher Location: Texas on May 1, 2007 at 05:41 PM
Students can and do get the help they need at Howe schools, and I believe that Howe is one of the best schools in the state. If you feel that your child is not getting the help needed, please keep asking for it, until someone does help you. Dress codes are put in place in the area schools, not to discriminate, but to try to eliminate some distraction, and also to make students feel that they don't have to have the best clothes. I know students need to be individuals, but there are some good things about dress codes. I agree that the dress codes need to be equally enforced all year long.

Posted by: M Location: Howe on May 1, 2007 at 05:06 PM
No, the POINT is that these boys have haircuts like this ALL year! The point is why, after 8 months of allowing boys to wear their hair like this, do they decide to enforce the so called rules?! Not only that, trust me if it happens in Howe, there are some boys that will continue to wear their hair long and not be punished. As for school board meetings, I have attended them and it isn't going to change anything. You are talking about a town where nothing has changed in years, nor will it. I know both of those boys, and they are great kids, good students, and don't have discipline problems. When I was in school, that wasn't considered long hair. Howe has more important issues to resolve than hair!

Posted by: Texoma Teacher on May 1, 2007 at 04:36 PM
This is so silly. Some of my best behaved and intelligent students have long hair and God knows what pierced. Some of the laziest, and disrespectful students have conservative hair,and dress preppy. I really don't care how my student wear their hair. It has no effect. I care about how hard they work in my class and how they treat others.

Posted by: sherman mom Location: sherman on May 1, 2007 at 04:33 PM
I agree if only the they would start at the beginning of the year I do agree up on keeping a clean cut but This is suppose to be a free and equal country what happend

Posted by: Mother of Howe Middle Students Location: Howe on May 1, 2007 at 04:25 PM
The point is these boys knowingly broke the rules and the parents allowed and encouraged it - which is a sad example for young kids, especially at this age. If the boys having long hair is such a big deal to parents and students, then they should attend school board meetings and voice opinions instead of doing nothing and griping. I've been to school board meetings and I would bet my paycheck that the parents complaining to the media have never been to a school board meeting. Rules are rules and this particular rule has been in effect for a while. Here's an idea, follow the dress code until it changes, like 95% of the other students at HMS.

Posted by: The voice of reason on May 1, 2007 at 02:47 PM
If only the school administration would concentrate on educational issues rather than a moppy head of hair. Look around folks. It is the style. If all school districts enforced the "no hair lower than the ears" rule for boys the hallways would be empty.

Posted by: Sherman mom Location: Duh on May 1, 2007 at 02:36 PM
I'm sorry, what year is this? 1962? This screams sexual discrimination! What if we really lose our minds and go back to making girls wear skirts to class. This is almost as absurd...And I have no doubt admin is just picking on certain kids. That happens everywhere, at every ISD in Grayson Co. If the board has to implement this , why not just wait until fall semester? At that age , your image is your identity! At least these kids GO to school. Go pick on the Preps!!!

Posted by: Dustin Location: Muenster on May 1, 2007 at 02:11 PM
i feel the same way as most of you do, its stupid that guys cant have their hair long, i had long shaggy hair and i always had it well kept and clean, but MISD wont let guys have long hair. so i had to cut mine. hair doesnt affect our thinking ability nor does it affect our judgement, let us have our hair long if we want to

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2007 at 02:04 PM
I have a daughter at Howe Middle School. Trust me, hair should be the least of their worries!!! I have sat outside that school and watched in the afternoon. Certain kids do what they want and wear what they want. Others are put in detention or ISS for the same thing. If you ask administration why, they will tell you they don't know what your talking about. I asked and that's what I was told.

Posted by: Jerry Location: Sherman on May 1, 2007 at 01:57 PM
Anonymous, WHAT!!!!, If these kids hair is such an issue, than the administration should have done something about it in August!!! Not MAY. Boys have just as much right as girls do. I thought that HISD was equall oppertunity.

Posted by: James Location: TX on May 1, 2007 at 01:28 PM
I think they should require them all to wear mullets....boys & girls.

Posted by: T Location: Howe on May 1, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Let's support our boys and show up at the school board meeting on Monday. This isn't a DRESS code issue, because your hair can't be removed to go to school and put back on like a shirt, ear-rings, pants, jewelry etc. If HAVE to cut their hair, then girls should go back to the 50's as well and not get to cut their hair. That is no more ridiculous than making the boys cut theirs. Who encourages their children to be sheeps following the pack and not being an individual?

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2007 at 01:06 PM
There is everything wrong with boys having long hair if they are breaking the dress code rules. The parents are the ones who should be punished and responsible when their kids break the rules. They are the ones encouraging bad behavior by constantly siding with their unruly kids who break the law and the rules. Are they going to continue to do this when their kids refuse to conform to rules when they get out into the business world???

Posted by: steve Location: colbert,ok. on May 1, 2007 at 12:19 PM
hey there is nothing wrong with boys having long hair, as long as they keep it well groomed.ive always had long hair in school back in the 80s,til this day i still have long hair past my waist and i see nothing wrong with it to each their own !!!!! principals need to worry more about their education............

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2007 at 12:14 PM
if hair is the only issue, be thankful and move on. It's simply a form of self-expression. It's not an issue except with the school district.

Posted by: T Location: Howe on May 1, 2007 at 11:49 AM
I agree totally with what M said. If you have a kid that is in the "clique" of Howe, then you can bet if they have long hair it's okay. However, if they AREN'T in Howe's clique, they'll be the ones sitting in ISS (if you live in Howe, you know EXACTLY what I mean) Seems to me the administration in Howe should be more concerned with getting rid of some of their cruddy teachers than whether or not some boy's hair is touching his collar. Howe needs to focus more on academics and less on hair

Posted by: Josh Location: Sherman on May 1, 2007 at 11:32 AM
I totally agree with Terri, this is just nonsense. It's unfair, closed minded stereoptyping OF THE highest order. Long hair DOES NOT HAVE ANY EFFECT whatsoever on these kids' education. Drugs, alcohol, and foul language ? Yeah, I get suspension for those things. But, Hair?! Very immature, childish move by the HISD. Inexcusable.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Howe on May 1, 2007 at 11:16 AM
Hair grows naturally on the body, guns don't. Whoever made that analogy is comparing apples to oranges......I saw the kid on the news last night. There was nothing wrong with his hair. I happen to know him and he is a good kid. Just because he doesn't want to cut his hair doesn't mean he isn't a good kid. That comment was a little out of line. We have too many drop outs these days to worry about hair over the ears.

Posted by: Jerry Rogers Location: Sherman on May 1, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Why all the fuss now. School is almost over and I now that hair didn't grow that length over night. They have gone to shool all year like that. It is just petty stuff and is completely stupid. There are greater things to worry about than hair. Get off these boys backs and let them finish the year.

Posted by: L Location: Howe on May 1, 2007 at 11:04 AM
This is just a control issue and now they see they have the control they will not change their minds no matter who goes and talks to them about it. It isn't just hair that is that way, it is anything. They will not listen to anyone that disagrees with the way they do things. As a matter of fact, they will do everything to make you look like a trouble maker. Just remember elections are coming up. Maybe it is time for a change......

Posted by: Jewell Location: durant,ok on May 1, 2007 at 10:59 AM
all i have to say is, "Are you Serious"! You have schools, with way more important issues than the length of a boys hair....

Posted by: David Location: Ft Sill on May 1, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Ok, why is administration waiting until the end of school to enforce ANY dress code, rule or policy? Didn't they know the status of the kids' hair earlier in the year? Didn't administration and teachers see these kids each and every day during the school year? If they didn't, who was supervising these kids prior to this incident? Sounds a little bit like the leadership was not taking responsibility for their own rules. Enforce the rules from day one, not the last day.

Posted by: Teri Location: Oklahoma on May 1, 2007 at 09:54 AM
It's just HAIR!!! So why all this fuss about the length of hair. I think most people would agree to say that "get off these boys' backs". It's Hair!!. Do we have to turn 18 before we have a say so on the length of our hair?

Posted by: Nicholas Location: Dallas on May 1, 2007 at 09:45 AM
I went to Denison HS in the mid 90s and hair length was never an issue. This sounds like something out of the 60s. I grew my hair out in my Sophomore year and never cut it again until well after I graduated (Advanced w/Honors no less). With the problems that our schools are facing these days (drugs, violence, etc), it seems that administrators would have better ways to spend their time than measuring boys' hair length.

Posted by: dexter dweller Location: sherman on May 1, 2007 at 08:53 AM
When did schools start taking over the raising of children? At the rate things are going, parents will give birth have their children for 5 years and then the school district gets them and raises them. School districts are going too far!!

Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: Howe on May 1, 2007 at 07:07 AM
I applaud the Administration for enforcing the code. I feel the code is very fair and if enforced will reflect the atmosphere we want in our school system. In response to the mother’s comments last night about them being “good kids”. Truly good kids will follow the rules established for them. I know there are exceptions to every rule but looking clean cut and presentable is not one of them. Set an example and get their hair cut.

Posted by: Liegh Ann Location: Tom Bean on May 1, 2007 at 07:07 AM
REDICULOUS!I have 2 boys with long hair and is a part of their Hawaiian Culture. How dare the public school system tell us how our kids should look.This is what is wrong with America! As long as it is neat and clean, it should not be a problem. And if boys have to cut their hair, so should the girls!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2007 at 04:19 AM
Shut up, leave the kids alone and just teach them. What in this world does long hair have to do with you teaching a child? I served this country so we could be free to choose things for ourselves and if my child wants to let his hair grow more power to him. They will grow out of it at some point.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 30, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Why do they wait till the end of school to enforce the rules?

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 30, 2007 at 10:46 PM
I think they should stick by the rules taht were inforced with the dress code, don't just pick on some of these students some of these girls are not wearing what they are suppose to be wearing STICK BY THE RULES or don't inforce them at all

Posted by: Teresa Location: Howe on Apr 30, 2007 at 09:55 PM
There has always been a contraversy over the hair issue and always will be.But if a rule is a rule then it should be followed.Hair the length the school wants is not unreasonable.There will always be someone that doesn't like to follow the rules.

Posted by: Mom Location: Oklahoma on Apr 30, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Have these people ever heard of sexual discrimination? I think they should get out of the fifties and get back to educating kids. Wasting tax payers dollars to keep boys from wearing hair that is below their ears is ridiculous.

Posted by: diane Location: howe on Apr 30, 2007 at 08:56 PM
The parents need not waste their time with the board or school. They won't listen to you. They stick together and don't care what anyone else thinks.

Posted by: trey :] Location: pottsboro on Apr 30, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Hmm...that must suck for them.

Posted by: Cheri' Location: Gordonville on Apr 30, 2007 at 08:20 PM
Giving the kids what they want is what has got our kids where they are today. I substituted for WISD a couple years back, 9th and 10th grade, Needless to say they were the rudest and most disrespectfull bunch of kids I have ever seen in my life. I blame the parents for letting the kids DO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO to be in style for our kid's behavior today. Should we give our kids guns because that is becoming the IN STYLE thing to have theses days. Put prayer back in school and bring corporal punishment back like we had and we can all get back to a normal society. Kids today are out of control.

Posted by: M Location: Howe on Apr 30, 2007 at 08:10 PM
I can't believe that the school is making such a big deal over this. Howe always makes a big deal out of everything. They should be worried about teaching and helping the students that need help with academics. It is almost impossible to get help for your child in Howe when it comes to learning. Worry about teaching and learning instead of hair below the collar. Also, I have noticed that it depends on what kind of mood people enforcing the rules are. If they are in a good mood nothing is said. Also, some kids are targeted and some kids are allowed. Howe needs to get back to how it was years ago when the school was one of the best schools in Texas. I agree there should be some kind of dress code but they are taking it a little overboard. Back in the 80's and 90's Howe was one of the best schools in the state. They did not make a big deal out of boy's hair then....

Posted by: Michael Location: Sherman on Apr 30, 2007 at 08:07 PM
QUOTE - I'm not saying they should have mohawks or have red hair or green hair. I'm just saying they should be able to be in style if that's what they want to be. It should be their choice, just like it is with girls," said parent Tracy Allen. THATS EXACTLY RIGHT.

Posted by: JON DOE Location: KINGSTON on Apr 30, 2007 at 07:25 PM
I THINK KIDS SHOULD BE ABLE TO WEAR THEIR HAIR HOWEVER THEY WANT TO AS LONG AS IT IS APPRORATE.

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