Hair Suit: Suspension of Native American schoolboy for long hair brings ACLU filing

The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the Livingston Parish district which suspended the boy, Seth Chaisson, for having long hair in violation of the dress code.

Attorney Katherine Schwartzmann says the Houma Inhdian teen won't cut his hair because of religious and cultural beliefs. But she says parish school officials at a hearing last week did not appear to think his beliefs are sincere.

A statement emailed by Superintendent Bill Spear says officials offered unspecified exemptions and don't think the dress code substantially burdens the boy's free exercise of his religious beliefs.

Seth Chaisson was suspended for two days in March from Juban Park Junior High in Denham Springs, La.  He's back in school, but Schwartzmann wants a guarantee he won't be suspended or reprimanded again.

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March 21, 2011 - Native American boy suspended from school for long hair, ACLU steps into La. case