North Texas student resists dress code after being told to cut long hair to shoulders
A sixth-grade student who returned to the Peaster Independent School District in Parker County on Wednesday has garnered the support of thousands after facing the threat of in-school suspension for his hair length.
Hudson Lucas, who has never had a haircut, could face disciplinary action if he does not cut his long, curly locks to at least his shoulders in accordance with a new dress code policy, according to his parents. An online petition, started by his mother Kristan Lucas, to change the policy has amassed more than 11,000 signatures in three days.
Shana Gilley, director of communications for Peaster ISD, could not be reached for comment as of Thursday afternoon.
Peaster ISD changed a section of its dress code for the ‘23-’24 school year requiring that “male hair length must not be below the bottom of the collar,” records show. Last year, it stated “male hair length must be off the shoulders.”
The policy is notable compared to what’s outlined by various school districts in Tarrant County. The dress codes for Fort Worth ISD, Keller ISD and Northwest ISD do not mention hair length at all. Policies for Arlington ISD and Mansfield ISD mention, respectively, that “hair should be kept neat, clean and reasonably styled” and “hairstyles deemed distracting or inappropriate that interfere with the educational environment” may be addressed by administrators.
The topic of what hairstyles are allowed in schools recently has become a conversation statewide. Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law in May the CROWN Act that bans race-based hair discrimination in Texas workplaces, schools and housing policies starting Sept. 1. The acronym stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.
‘His hair length should not dictate his education’
Kristan Lucas, mother of Hudson, told the Star-Telegram that she didn’t expect the petition to go viral, and she and her family “don’t want to drag our community or the (school) staff that loves us through anything.”
“We really would just love for our son to be able to go to school as he has the last two years,” she said. “His hair length should not dictate his education.”
Although Hudson walked into school on Wednesday with his hair untouched and had “an absolutely amazing first day,” it remains to be seen whether he faces any discipline from the school district or if the policy will be changed.
“As of right now, we have not cut his hair. We don’t know what the next days look like for us,” his mother said. “We’re hoping and praying that something does change.”
Despite the ongoing issue, Kristan Lucas reiterated her pride in being a parent with the Peaster ISD.
“We do love our community, and we prayed for the day that we could call this school district home. And we are very proud to be in this school district still,” she said.
