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Native American Texas Student Can Keep Long Hair
A Native American student at a Texas high school has been given permission to return to campus without cutting his shoulder-length hair.
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8 Comments 
SOMERSET, Texas (April 14, 2009)--A Native American Somerset High School senior whose parents filed a federal lawsuit saying his right of religious expression was violated when he received an on-campus suspension can return to class without having to cut his shoulder-length hair.
Jesus Figueroa's long hair had been an issue since last school year and he received on-campus suspensions several times.
The San Antonio Express-News reports the student believes his hair is a gift from the Great Spirit and should be cut only to mourn the death of a loved one.
After a battle that included the federal lawsuit, the Somerset Independent School District's Board of Trustees voted unanimously last night to grant the 17-year-old student special dispensation from the district's grooming policy.
Somerset is 18 miles south of San Antonio.
Latest Comments
Let me start by saying I am not a religious nut in any way. But I don't understand how there's all these loopholes to religion in school! Kids can't pray even tho it's part of their beliefs, but he can keep his hair because it's part of his beliefs. This country is so backwards. I think it should be all the way or nothing at all. Either allow all religions and religious practices in school, or allow none. That is that, no special rules or BS about discrimination. I mean geez!
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Its about time that the American INDIANS stand up for themselfs! They deserve so much! You dont hear them complaining about everything! Proud of you, keep it up!
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SOMEONE-NEAR HERE....Believe it or not, there are still full blooded Native Americans in this country. There is also a Kickapoo Reservation not far from Somerset. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and national Tribes issue a card to persons that can prove they are at least 1/4 Native American, not just 'some'. The Native Americans have special Federal law regarding such things as religion, owning raptor feathers (usually eagle and hawk) and protection of their grave sites, as well as many other things. Wake up, idiot, and do a little research. I have an aquaintance that frequents the Federal Courthouse in Dallas with an eagle feather in his Stetson. Security guards finally got tired of trying to arrest him, because he carries identification that he is native American.
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