Harlingen South to let student grow his hair at alternative campus
Published: September 21, 2004
Gerardo Garcia and Harlingen schools have come to an understanding.
The school will allow the 16-year-old Harlingen High School South junior to grow his hair but he’ll have to attend classes at the district’s alternative campus.
Garcia wants to donate his hair to a charitable group that makes wigs for cancer patients, but his long hair violates the school’s dress code. Locks of Love, a Florida-based organization, needs hair that is at least 10 inches long to make into a wig.
Garcia was suspended from school when he arrived Monday morning, after failing to observe the haircut deadline.
Superintendent Linda Wade called Monday afternoon, to offer a compromise for both Garcia and the school, Dawn Lozano, Garcia’s mother, said.
Garcia will continue growing his hair, but must keep it in a bun or ponytail. Until he cuts his hair in January, when it’s about 10 inches long, he will attend Harlingen High School for a morning auto body shop class and KEYS (Keeping Education Your Success) Academy, a school that is usually for at-risk students, from noon to 4 p.m.
“I think this works out good for me,” Garcia said. “Not only will I be able to grow my hair for someone who needs it, but at (KEYS) I will also get one-on-one attention with a teacher.”
Garcia’s battle with the school district over the length of his hair began in August when administrators told him to cut his hair.
“I don’t think I will miss out on anything at South,” Garcia said. “I am just glad that I can grow my hair.”
At KEYS, Garcia will be able to work at his own pace and have the option of finishing his high school credits early.
Wade, who was unavailable for comment at press time, gave Garcia three options that would allow him attend school while growing his hair.
“Dr. Wade let (Garcia) choose. He could attend school in the on-campus suspension room at Harlingen South, attend KEYS Academy, or enroll in an on-campus program but that would give him college credit for his government class.
Linda Wade said that she was most concerned with Gerry getting his education. I think she sees that he really wants to grow his hair to help someone and I feel that she does care now. We are all relieved that we could work it out.”
Dawn Lozano
Garcia and Lozano are pleased that the school worked with her son and understands that he felt strongly about his decision to grow his hair.
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