Cancer survivor barred from school for long hair

J.T. Gaskins, 17, a Flint-area teenager and leukemia survivor, has hair that violates his charter school's policy of 'off the collar, off the ears, and out of the eyes.' FLINT (MICH.) JOURNAL Enlarge

BURTON, Mich. -- A Flint-area teenager and leukemia survivor has been suspended from school for growing out his hair to donate to cancer patients.

Officials at Madison Academy, a charter school in Burton, say J.T. Gaskins' reason for growing out his hair is admirable.

But his hair is in direct conflict with school policy that requires it to be "off the collar, off the ears, and out of the eyes."

The 17-year-old senior has missed 5 1/2 days of school.

"This is something I want to do, and I feel very strongly about it," young Gaskins told the Flint Journal, referring to his plan to eventually cut his hair and give it to Locks of Love, which makes wigs for children who have lost hair because of chemotherapy treatments. He needs 10 inches. Leukemia was diagnosed in young Gaskins when he was an infant but he has been cancer-free since he was 7.

His mother, Christa Plante, said the school should allow long hair if boys pledge to get it cut and donate it.

"We're not asking them to dismiss the policy. We're not asking them to do away with the dress code. We were simply asking for a compromise," Ms. Plante said. "We could turn this into such a positive learning experience."

Madison Academy referred calls to Will Kneer, executive director of the Romine Group in Utica, which manages the school. He said the school board considered the issue Monday but decided to keep the policy for now.

Young Gaskins' hair isn't very long yet.

Mr. Kneer said he proposed that young Gaskins use styling gel, put the hair in cornrows, or simply comb it to comply with rules.

"I need his hair out of his eyes and off the collar," Mr. Kneer said Friday. "I really want this boy to be back in school. I feel like combing his hair wouldn't be a big concession. … He doesn't have hair down the middle of his back. It's an inch over his collar."

Mr. Kneer said the school has been sending work to young Gaskins' home while he's away from classes.

As a cancer survivor, young Gaskins said he shouldn't be told he can't grow his hair when he's trying to help others with the disease.

"Self-confidence," he said, "is really what you need to beat the disease."