The Utah second grader is of Seneca and Paiute heritage and chose the hairstyle because it is commonly worn by Seneca Nation members. But this week his mother received a call from Arrowhead Elementary officials in St. George, Utah, saying she needed to come pick the boy up. He was only allowed to return after a Seneca tribal representative sent the school a letter confirming the haircut is traditional.
Comment: It's none of the school's business.
"It is common for Seneca boys to wear a Mohawk because after years of discrimination and oppression, they are proud to share who they are," wrote William Canella, a Seneca Nation Tribal Councilor, in a letter obtained by WFAA. "It's disappointing that your school does not view diversity in a positive manner, and it is our hope that (the boy) does not suffer any discrimination by the school administration or faculty as a result of his hair cut."
The boy's father, Gary Sanden, told WFAA that he has two sons at the school, and the older one has chosen a non-Native hairstyle, prompting school officials to ask why they didn't cut the younger child's hair the same way. The parents offered to bring in a tribal card, but the school demanded a letter from a tribe official.
Comment: Forcing conformity on a 7- or 8-year-old in the heart of Mormon land.
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