Oh, for goodness sakes...  (by: Twenty-something  -   10/14/2012)

Good for you, Mr. Doty! "Mom of pink hair," as well as her bright-haired son were aware of the rules. This entire article just smacks of a woman looking for a fight, and I'm glad that Mr. Doty stuck to his guns. This may seem like a minor issue and a stupid rule; however, it's in place for a reason. You're just perpetuating the "me, me, me" entitlement mentality by encouraging your kids to fight back. I don't think children should be sheep by any means, but I do believe strongly that they are CHILDREN and should behave as such. They are not equals with the staff and administration of a school... their job is to learn, and the administration's job is to keep them safe and in line. Don't like it? Home school 'em.

county focuses on too many minor issues  (by: NONE-YA  -   10/13/2012)

I have lived here for 2yrs and this county focuses on the most ridiculous issues ever. They need to pay more attention to major crimes going on right in their face such as murders,drug dealing and theft. so what the kid dyed his hair pink...get over it...girls dye their hair all the time..if the principal allowed students to highlight their hair and dye a mark in their head,he should just let it be. the administration should keep one rule and stick with it. there is either NO hair coloring of un-natural hair colors allowed or if he is gonna bend the rules let the kids express themselves accordingly with the pink dye. it's not right that the principal decides to allow certain styles of hair coloring but not all and no one says anything to Principal Doty. your either gonna be an Enforcer or Slacker!! Too much time spent on a minor situatuon!!!

Highlands schools  (by: Jan  -   10/12/2012)

Oh yeah, I can't wait for Brokeback Cowboys followup!
lmao

highlands schools  (by: Jan  -   10/12/2012)

Living in Highlands county for 5 years was enough for me and my children.There's more emphasis on rules and regulations and dress codes than there is actual teaching. I now live in a place where kids where what they want and die thier hair whatever color they want with less rediculous rules like Highlands county. And you know what? The graduation rate and kids getting accepted into colleges is much higher than Highlands county schools. If kids were allowed to be and show who they are, they are more respected by thier piers. I bet every other kids in that school thought it was pretty cool. If you ask me, it's a power trip and Highlands couunty is full of it.

pink  (by: Patty  -   10/12/2012)

I would love to see all the students dye their hair pink. What is he going to do then? He is a power hungry jerk. This kid is standing up for what he believes in. How his mother is handling it is not his fault. I am sure he didnt know he would get ISS for this. He is a leader not a follower so good for him. You parents who think you are perfect and have perfect kids would be surprised what your kids do when you arent around.

off the subject...  (by: high road  -   10/12/2012)

After reading the article and the comments I came to a conclusion. You people in highlands county strive on gossip. Half of the comments are putting down the family. Well I must give you guys a round of applause! Who cares if the parents did it for personal gain? The little boy felt like it was his place to do something positive for his relatives. Maybe some of you people belittling this family should reevaluate yourself

Blah Blah Blah!!!  (by: Outraged Neighbor  -   10/12/2012)

This family is nothing but attention seekers! If there is a rule to be broken it will be broken and it will never be their fault and always someone else fault. I am not discrediting that breast cancer is a good cause and that we should all support it but the bottom line is that there is a time and a place and most of all an appropriate way in which to show your support without breaking the rules! What type of morals are you trying to teach your children that it's okay to just do what you want when you want with no regards to the rules??? Duh that's why they are rule!!! And as parents we are there to guide our children into making better decisions not into using them as pawns to get attention. So instead on dying your child's entired head pink which if your child is such a "great" student then he would have heard the announcements that Mr. Doty made that dying of the entire head was prohibited or you as "great" parents had read the handbook would know the consequences for such actions. Teach your children alternatives to express their support but still abide by the rules. WAY TO GO MR. DOTY!!!!

Rules are not Laws and sometimes need to bend or be broken for a good cause  (by: GINGERLEE DREAD  -   10/12/2012)

This letter is about the young man who dyed his hair pink to support his family and the month for fighting cancer and bringing awareness to its cause, and the Principle who brought down the book on him so to speak. I find it quite ironic that the principle stated that although this is a rule he broke, he allowed exceptions to it in allowing small strands of pink to be worn by others in the school. This is reverse discrimination and the principle is wrong to make this child an example when this boy was doing the absolute right thing in supporting his family, supporting his community and supporting the awareness of the scourge of cancer to other kids around him, not to mention making them aware that this has affected his own family and life. What better way to bend a rule then for the right reasons. This is one such time that the Principle, seems to have overlooked in his zealous stance. Rules are not Laws and this child had no intentions of using this act to interrupt classes or the school but to be a positive force in a issue that many are fighting against in our own communities and family. A simple word by the Principle over the loud speaker down playing the positive act by this child to the other students addressing the one time issue for a good cause would have been the sane thing to do and would of made this a win, win situation for all involved. It seems common sense was not had on the part of the Administration on that day. And to Michael and his family personally, Thank you for standing up to cancer, with your family and for your community, I shall stand up for you Friday in front of your school GusHillstat from 7 to 9 am and 2 to 4 pm 10/12/2012 in support of your right and just action. Anyone care to join me ?

Susan Koman Foundation  (by: tom walsh  -   10/11/2012)

Someone by the name of Don posted that the Susan G Koman Foundation is a fraud and spends 85% of what they collect on salaries and marketing. I do not know who "Don" is but I would strongly suggest that he check the following: http://ww5.komen.org/AboutUs/FinancialInformation.html They post their complete Financial Statements for the past 10 years. It would appear that over 75% of what they collect goes directly to cancer programs - research, outreach, etc.
Don, you may want to retract your statement.

YeeHaw  (by: Brokeback Cowboy  -   10/11/2012)

Tomorrow I'm going to wear ass-less chaps to work to promote the awareness of Rectal Cancer. I'll let ya'll know how it turns out!

Our Future  (by: Not Old Now but Will Be One Day  -   10/11/2012)

Way to go mom and dad! You have just shown your son that as long as he feels what he is doing is right then standards, rules and communial integrity can go out the window. Isn't this the same mom and kid that claimed another school didn't help her or her son when he was threatened by another student in class. She tried to start a riot about that too but it turned out the comment was made in part of a class discussion as in "If it were me I would've said..." I think her and her husband are looking to make a quick buck at the expense of their children. They'll need the money from the lawsuit to support themselves and their five children since dad and his pink mohawk probably didn't have much luck in the job search. I know as a professional business person I would not hire anyone who showed up for a job interview with pink hair let alone a pink mohawk. You know you were going job hunting, dye your hair the day after! As far as the principal goes I believe that ISS may have been a bit extreme, call the parents tell them the problem, re-iterate the handbook rules they agreed to and signed. If the problem is not rectified the next day then ISS is appropriate. Our teachers are on a time crunch to teach our kids a large amount of information in a short amount of time. If the first 10 minutes of class is spent telling students to sit or stop staring or calm down then this is a distraction to the student and teacher body. Dad even admits in his comment that the pink hair is a distraction yet let his son leave the house that morning anyways. And really, it was supposed to be only a few days or weeks according to the parents, then who in their right mind dyes their Very blonde sons hair pink with PERMENANT hair coloring. The children in this household are learning to side step self responsibilty and not learning consequences. This is our future...we'll be in nursing homes one day with these kids "taking care" of us and never knowing what it means to try and conform for other peoples comfort or conforming for self promotion. They will be standing over us in our beds asking us to quit being lazy and take care of them.
Oh, and on a side note...I think that breast cancer awareness is extremely important, I am a survivor myself and if this had been done in taste it would could have gone a long way in educating our young people.

To the parents  (by: Not you which is a good thing  -   10/11/2012)

Jeff you said it your self in your BS comment that you think even pink strands are a distraction!!! Most everyone has either lost a loved one or knows someone who is fighting cancer. So does that give the rest of the world the right to break the rules as well? They are a hundred different ways to show support for the cure (screw the cause and the thieves at SGC) that would have been acceptable! The way I see it you and your wife (more your wife) were just looking for your 15 minutes of fame after hearing about all the other stories in the news about kids being kicked out of school for the same thing long before your kid was. Great job using your kids as pawns for her personal gain! Maybe now Springer will put you all on seeing that he lives to air dead beats like y'all. Then you won't need a job for a month and can use the show money LOL. Straight up losers. Oh and by the way "I checked" myself and am still better then your family ever will be!

Rules  (by: Follow the Rules  -   10/11/2012)

Rules are in place for a purpose. See the distraction this has caused? This is exactly what the mother wanted! Did she forget to mention that her son is well known for starting fights and always getting into trouble at school too? IMAGINE THAT! Yep, its for the attention!

Pink hair is useless  (by: Don  -   10/11/2012)

FYI, The Susan G. Komen Foundation spends 85% of the money they collect on salaries and marketing. Less than 5% actually goes to paying for treatment and the other 10% is spent on "educational" programs. It's a for profit fraud. They even spend money suing other charities who use the word "cure". Wake up sheeple... your pink hair is cute but don't delude yourself into thinking you're actually doing anything that makes a difference.

Pink mohawk job seeker   (by: Highlands County Resident   -   10/10/2012)

Good luck looking in your job search with a pink Mohawk D.A! I'm sure they'll be knocking down your door to hire a mid 30's man with not just a Mohawk but a pink one at that. Ever wonder why you are looking and don't already have a job? Maybe if you shaved and tried to present your self as a adult you might have better luck. But you and your wife just go on being victims at your kids expense and maybe just maybe Obama will be re-elected and you can suck off the public teet with your super duper cool pink Mohawk!

Poor role models  (by: John W.  -   10/10/2012)

These parents are the poster parents of what is wrong with this country. Mom wants to be a victim when it was her poor parenting skills that caused this whole situation. Had she done her job as a informed parent involved in her child's education she would have read the dress code before signing it, and all this could have been avoided. But now like so many other dead beat parents in this country, she and her family are now raising a stink because they feel like they should be given special treatment. The school sets rules on dress code for a reason so if you don't want to follow them then there should be punishments. You and your husband make me sick with you thinking your entitled to be above the rules. Think about what kind of example you are putting in your children's heads by acting like your a victim, when it was your poor choices that got your son in trouble in the first place. Why couldn't you have just highlighted a few streaks of pink like you did on your daughter's heads?

Not the whole story!  (by: Disgusted in Sebring  -   10/10/2012)

If you all knew the whole story, you would be so embarrassed by your ignorant comments. This was blown out of proportion to benefit the mom and give her a few minutes of fame. If the mom is so into breast cancer awareness, why wasn't her whole head dyed pink? Why wasn't her daughters? There are many ways of showing support, but to think your child should be the exception to the rule, shows your ignorance. You made this about you and not the cause!!!

Wah, Wah, Wah!  (by: Fed up with liberal whiners  -   10/10/2012)

Way to go, Mom. How about reading the handbook you signed to uphold? No? Oh, you'd rather be another "victim" instead. What a pathetic commentary on today's culture where everyone has turned into a whiney liberal instead of understanding the boundaries set to teach children responsible behavior. I suppose supporters of the victim viewpoint also think there shouldn't ever be any losers in a baseball game. What the heck has happened to teaching kids how to handle adverse situations with dignity and responsibility? No, we'd rather just whine and cry "victim". Why not just toss all the rules then because there will surely be ONE in a hundred who will ALWAYS flaunt the rules no matter what it is.

Is it about Brest cancer, or Mom?  (by: A conerned Parent of 2 grade school children  -   10/10/2012)

I myself have lost a couple aunts to brest cancer and the results are often devastating. i agree that way way too much drama, its a school for crying out loud not a barber shop, children are there to learn and are easily distracted, and at that age it dosent take a whole lot. i also agree that if its more about respect for brest cancer awarness, but a distraction is one thing, and knowing how to read is another, if you let one do it we'd have a whole school of disruption.I have to read the whole entire handbook and make my kids abide by the rules, so stop making it about yourself and let the kid put on a pink wristband or tee shirt and be done with it, this isint the NFL, this is education, and rules are ment for a reason, and i personally have known Mr Doty since high school and have nothing but respect for the man, he didnt write the rules, he is there to make sure they are followed. However the NFL does a great job of bringing about awearness.who's the parent and who's the child.

Pink Hair  (by: Elizabeth  -   10/10/2012)

Who determines natural hair color and style? This child was only doing something he stands up for. The way you dress and your hair color is not the distraction in public schools. It's just a poor excuse they use for why our chidren are not learning. I have work in the school system and children could care less what the person next to them is wearing.

pink hair  (by: Amy  -   10/10/2012)

Bottom line, we have to enforce the rules. Having a hair style or color that isn't natural is very distrustful especially to younger children. That's why its a rule. I'm sure the schools don't have any issue with 1 or 2 pink strands but to have a full head of bright pink hair is unnecessary. I 100% support cancer awareness but that is way to much for school. And to sit here and ridicule the principal is ridiculous!!! He has to enforce the rules, plain and simple. He is doing a fabulous job in my opinion especially with still dealing with the loss of his nephew and my friend, Aaron. Keep up the good work Mr. Doty!

Pink Police  (by: A Retired School Administrator  -   10/10/2012)

Superintendent Cox needs to have a workshop with his principals about dealing with the public. It seems the principals, or at least the one at H-G Middle School, think following rules is the beginning, middle, and end of education in Highlands County. Rules can make life better for everyone, but when the point of rules is just "follow the rules"...well, that's just plain dumb. News flash. It's a public school, not the military. I don't think the system will crumble because kids have brightly colored hair. But this much publicity during Breast Cancer Awareness month make sense to Highlands County school administrators???? Superintendent Cox, pay some attention, please.

People are clueless  (by: Matt  -   10/10/2012)

First of all...anyone who says their is more discipline in schools these days then in the past has lost their minds!!!! Thats the problem, parents want to tell their kids that it is ok to speak up and be a rebel...reality is I respect the kid for doing what he did for the right cause, but Mr. Doty told the entire school ahead of time this would be a violation and on top of that the parents signed a contract stating they understood these rules...but as usual the parents of our community want to show their kids that no matter what agreements they agree to and no matter what rules are in place it is ok to be a rebel and fight for what you "think" is your right...
This is not about wearing pink for a good cause..this is about doing what you are told to do by an authority figure and understand the rules you have to obey...Mr. Doty didn't say he could not wear pink..just said he had limitations....
This is why our young adults are out of control and committing terrible crimes!!!!!!

B S  (by: jeff jestes  -   10/10/2012)

My address is 1121 sunset dr if you think you can cut my sons hair come on over and try. This is rediculous girls can dye strands of their hair but a boy can't dye his whole head what is the difference both are a distraction if you asked me as well as girls wearing their short shorts and skimpy clothes in general. Some of you people need to check yourself we are not trying to teach our child or children to go against authority only to stand up for a good cause and it only for a couple weeks unlike this mohawk kid in comment number two this is representing something that's very dear to our family so if you don't like it to hell with you

Freedom of Speech, Pt 2  (by: tom walsh  -   10/10/2012)

If the parents or guardians do not accept the rules of the school, they are free to home school their little cherubs, providing they have the qualifications to do so or hire someone who has them.
They are not free to tell their children that they can break these rules if they so desire. They even sign agreements to that effect.
Why, then, do they get upset when these rules and regulations are enforced? They fully agreed to them.
So, take little junior down to a hairdresser supply or the cosmetic department of WalMart or K-Mart or Sears and purchase some Clairol (does he or doesn't he?) and redye his tresses to match his normal hair color. DUH !!!

Freedom of Speech  (by: tom walsh  -   10/10/2012)

The concept of "Freedom of Speech" as originally put forth in the Constitution, had to do with the citizenry being able to freely talk about the leadership of our country without reprisals like the original settlers were subject to in Europe. People over the years have twisted this to cover just about anything they say about any subject using profanity and vulgarity. Now we have little Lord Fauntleroy parading around school in pink hair as a protest, even though he and his parents read and accepted the rules of the school.
For the record, I lost my mother to cancer, an aunt to lung cancer, my mother-in-law to breast cancer and my twin sister to a form of cancer, Leukemia, so i know all about the suffering and the need for a cure. However, i also respect the rule of law. Schools accept their role of teaching children subject to rules(laws) that are fully explained to each and every student and their parents or guardians.

Intolerance 101  (by: Avon Park Resident  -   10/10/2012)

Is this what we really want to teach our children? That we don't want them to express themselves? And yes this isn't freedom of speech its actually freedom of expression. And furthermore if the principal let people put pink strands he should let him have his whole head dyed pink. Its a double standard. Is the mother correct for coming to the school with clippers no but is she wrong for wanting to defend her son? No. Too often those in charge love to make an example out of someone and this is exactly what they are doing with Michael. And to me that is unacceptable.

This Boy is a Hero  (by: Linda  -   10/10/2012)

I commend this boy and his family..what is the big deal...this boy , like most of the NFL are wearing the color pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness...really what harm is this doing.....it takes a alot of guts to do this and stand up and make people aware of this....

Toss Up  (by: Neutral  -   10/10/2012)

This is not freedom of speech, this is classified under Atricle 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "[e]veryone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference" and "everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice". Article 19 goes on to say that the exercise of these rights carries "special duties and responsibilities" and may "therefore be subject to certain restrictions" when necessary "[f]or respect of the rights or reputation of others" or "[f]or the protection of national security or of public order (order public), or of public health or morals".[1][2] I don't believe we should restrict our children's views on how they want to support a cause. We should not tell them they can, but they can only do it our way or no way. If we feel our children are taking extreme measures to demonstrate, then yes, we should talk with them. Dying one's hair is not an extreme measure. It does not interfere with the above mentioned. Yeah, there may have been some distractions the first day with pink hair, but the next day it would have been old news. I do not believe a school should be able to tell a student what they can and can't do with their hair. It's not their hair, so don't worry about it. That's what being a kid is about: getting to try out things, go thru phases, learn from the choices they make. As long as they are not wearing clothing with inappropriate, derogatory, or illicit material, or clothing that is showing too much skin, right? That's a whole lot more distracting then a mohawk or pink hair. Now, with all that being said, I do believe that a temporary dye should have been used instead. October is Halloween month, and all of the drug stores are carrying that spray in color that washes right out. They are even carrying dyes that wash out in just 5 days or so. I don't think this mother is trying to use her child at all. She's mad, and I would be, too. Her son came to her and asked if he could dye his hair. Her husband and daughter have also dyed their hair, so no, it's not her using her son.

Rules  (by: Dixie  -   10/10/2012)

The story should be the child broke the rules and the parents never read the dress code. Children need to learn there are consequences to breaking the rules. There were other ways he could have shown his support.

Typical  (by: JC  -   10/10/2012)

Typical Highlands County School System... blend in, don't think outside the box, punish individualism and conform to the norm. I see nothing has changed in Sebring. Hang in there, Michael! There is a world outside the confines of that miserable little town and the small minds in charge. Stand up for what you believe in, embrace who you are and to hell with the rules! No one ever finds success by being "normal".

Think Pink, but don't make a Stink  (by: TS  -   10/10/2012)

I can appreciate the passion this family may have about breast cancer awareness, especially since a close family member was affected this way. It's too bad this family is trying to make an issue here that really doesn't do squat for breast cancer, which is the real Monster we should be resisting. Instead they seem to be trying to paint Principal Doty as the Villain. All the whole he was giving students positive leadership on how to express their support for this cause in productive and effective ways. As a parent of HGMS students, I hope that reason can prevail so we can stay on course with learning. Surely, wee can "Think Pink“ without having to make a Stink.

Think Pink, but don't make a Stink!  (by: TS  -   10/10/2012)

I can appreciate the passion this family may have about breast cancer awareness, especially since a close family member was affected this way. It's too bad this family is trying to make an issue here that really doesn't do squat for breast cancer, which is the real Monster we should be resisting. Instead they seem to be trying to paint Principal Doty as the Villain. All the whole he was giving students positive leadership on how to express their support for this cause in productive and effective ways. As a parent of HGMS students, I hope that reason can prevail so we can stay on course with learning. Surely, wee can "Think Pink“ without having to make a Stink.

Everyone's right. Everyone's wrong.  (by: Red  -   10/10/2012)

The Constitution, like so many politically minded people justifiably believe we should follow to the letter, is the supreme law, taking precedence over State Laws and Local Laws, including the Highlands County School Board. If you feel your Constitutional rights (ie, 1st Amendment) are violated by the HCSB, be ready to prove it in a court of law. Be ready and active, before there is an incident, to demand your Constitutional rights and change the rule.
If you can not, or do not, you get to follow the rule even if it's archaic, teaches intolerance under the pretense of order, and represents overreaching government control on a local level. Handling it this way also teaches entitlement and disrespect for authority.
We're a country in which our every government structure is built on the idea that people with diverse opinions can work together for the greater good of their communities and the country as a whole. It feels like we, as a country, have lost that somewhere.

Wow!  (by: Mrs.Right  -   10/10/2012)

Nowadays Schools are more focused on displining students rather then teaching them. Who cares if students come with dyed hair? Who cares If students don't follow dress code? I'm not sayin to go to School looking inappropriate but some parents like to dress there kid in why they can afford. Students don't attend School to be judged on what there wearing, they attend to LEARN! I had an incident earlier this year with my child's School not accepting an Aeropostale shirt. A solid color white shirt with small lettering that said Aeropostale. I had to let the School know as well as the School board that they don't purchase my child's clothes and therefore he will attend School with the clothes I choose to put on him. As for breast cancer awareness month the School should have done an exception for it this month. Sometimes it's good to let the kids have a little excitement.

Who Cares?  (by: Mrs. Right  -   10/10/2012)

Nowadays Schools are more focused on displining students rather then teaching them. Who cares if students come with dyed hair? Who cares If students don't follow dress code? I'm not sayin to go to School looking inappropriate but some parents like to dress there kid in why they can afford. Students don't attend School to be judged on what there wearing, they attend to LEARN! I had an incident earlier this year with my child's School not accepting an Aeropostale shirt. A solid color white shirt with small lettering that said Aeropostale. I had to let the School know as well as the School board that they don't purchase my child's clothes and therefore he will attend School with the clothes I choose to put on him. As for breast cancer awareness month the School should have done an exception for it this month. Sometimes it's good to let the kids have a little excitement.

Who  (by: Justin  -   10/10/2012)

Who determines whats "natural" its all on a judgment call, and furthermore, everyone with a brain knows why this boy did this. Not to break any rules. Its something dear to him and his family. He should be commended for standing up for what he believes in. Not censored. People are too sensitive nowadays.

Crush Spirit  (by: Roger Martin  -   10/10/2012)

The kid thought about showing support and it resulted in him being crushed. Good job principal, lets keep them in line and make him learn not to care about people.

In support of youth!  (by: Non  -   10/9/2012)

Let them express themselves!! Young boys and young girls have their own ways of dealing with issues. Let them be and let them talk to one who will listen!!! I do I hear my child every day!! I'm all about who is a person!! Not the color of their skin or the color of their hair!!!! Bigger issue!! Those who bully others!! Deal with that issue instead of a young boy in support of a great cause!!

Drama Mama  (by: Just Saying  -   10/9/2012)

Both knew the rules, however decided to break them anyway. The mother shows up to the school with a camera, as she knew she would be met with resistance....as she should have been. She also elects to bring clippers to school, and attempt to make a scene, as she proclaims she would shave his head in the lobby....DRAMA!!! She then claims free speech....I didn't know hair could talk!!! When Mr. Doty stood behind school rules (which he didn't make by the way, the school district did) mom decides to rally support from the media vultures....again sending the wrong message to her child. As a result of all this drama, the mother has taught her child it is ok to knowingly break the rules, cause a scene, as long as you are vociferous in your support of that which you know is wrong. Hey mom…. way to be a failure as a parent, rather than a role model to your kids.

Go get em kid  (by: Mike  -   10/9/2012)

Give me a break with all the follow the rules. This was not about breaking the rules. It was about a good kid showing Support for the women in his family and every other person who has been hit by this horrible disease. If this was my kid I'd sobe proud of him standing up for something.

  (by: mom of pink hair  -   10/9/2012)

My son only wanted to bring awareness to a cause that means a lot to our whole family. This was not for attention or to be diffrent. Saturday he questioned me about breast cancer and his father and I explained our family and the struggles they have had. My grandmother loosing her breast then her life, 2 of my husbands aunts battling breast cancer one loosing both breasts. When he heard the stories. He feever did I think all of this would happen. So call it breaking the rules, I belive Doty went over board. He wasn't willing to listen to his student nor his parents.. not a good principle to me

  (by: mom of pink hair  -   10/9/2012)

Who said we were sueing anyone? I called the papers and news because I felt ISS was extreme. I never thought allowing him to dye his hair pink would cause this. This is about Doty, he was rude to us, and refused to allow us to shave his head so he could attend his normal classes. I either left him in ISS or took him home. If Doty would of tryed to work with us to fix the situation we never would of went to the media. My son had no idea this would be a big deal since all the girls in the school have all diffrent color hair. Not just pink for breast cancer. But since his turned up brighter pink then we expected and was more then "highlights" and he was a male supporting breast cancer it became more about Doty punishing my son for pink hair, then caring about the situation. My son is not a trouble maker, the only trouble he has ever been in is small fights when he was being bullied. He's a good student, and always respectful. He was crushed he was being to sent to ISS.

  (by: does not matter  -   10/9/2012)

ThSJust so you know his parents dyed their hair and all of their childrens. None of the other schools seem to have a problem with it but they are also girls. Not that its even on topic but if anything is a distraction in school it is little girls going to school wearing their short shorts and tight pants and dying their hair fire engine red. Or these emo kids (no offense) dying their hair black as nite and wearing all black and wearing black fingernail polish and chains hanging from their pants. This is directed at the last two comments and anyone else who thinks these parents are just trying to show their child to be against

Pink Hairdo  (by: tom walsh  -   10/9/2012)

There is always somebody for whom the rules do not apply because they feel they have the right of free speech. In this case, he dyed his hair pink. Why can't he dye his hair somewhere near it's natural color? Until he does that, he should serve in-school suspension and have his grades suffer for it. If he was an honor student, revoke the honors. Reduce all his grades by one and then MAYBE, just MAYBE he will obey the rules.

Pink Hair/Follow the Rules...Its not about You!!!  (by: Bob Weed  -   10/9/2012)

What about ME...What about ME... What about ME...
Mom seems to want as much attention as the Son. The Father and two daughters, with pink hair, and even the 2 year old with Pink Hair. I'm sorry, but this isn't about Breast Cancer. When you contact the news paper, the television stations, show up at the school with clippers and a VIDEO camera, you're saying what about Me. A hundred dollar donation or the cost of the pink dye will help the cause a lot more.

School should have no say in hair color.  (by: Concerned  -   10/9/2012)

I don't think our schools should decide our childrens hair color. I can understand not allowing any obscene clothing and such, but their hair COLOR? I doubt many parents remember every rule in the student handbook and breast cancer seems to be an important issue to this boy as well as his family. He should not be punished or forced to shave his head! Way to go, Michael! Many people are behind you!

  (by: Robert Stinnett  -   10/9/2012)

Who's idea was it to make it a rule, saying that unnatural hair styles and colors are a bad thing? Are you really that naive to think that a style or color of someone's hair is depriving your child of education? If so, you are the one in need of Special Education.

And this is how you teach intolerence, boys and girls  (by: Dean  -   10/9/2012)

A pink strand or pink highlights are also an "unnatural color" and therefore not appropriate for school either, Mr. Prinicpal. These are middle school students after all and just kids. If it was causing some outrageous commotion or disturbance I could see there being a problem but was this a problem?
As the husband of a breast cancer survivor I must say "Thank you, Michael, for your support."

Free Speech is not a ticket to break RULES  (by: JJ  -   10/9/2012)

So Tired of the Free Speech defense! I truly believe in this cause and have several friends dealing with breast cancer but the issue at hand is FOLLOW THE RULES. Even in the work place you have to "ask" HR what is appropriate. You don't just show up one day with a pink or any other color hairdo. So now this great kid who is a great student gets to learn that "I don't have to follow the rules and can raise a stink and have mom come with a video camera and the newspapers so she can sue everyone later". When are we going to stop?!...Thank you Mr Doty for being supportive to Breast Cancer and it sounds as if your directions were very clear.

Follow The Rules!  (by: sebring_resident  -   10/9/2012)

Look, my child attends that school as well. I remember going over the rules and regulations with my child and we signed the form. I remembered that line, that no child shall come to school with an unnatural hair color or style. My son wanted to have a mohawk and I told him that that was not allowed, it is not a natural hair style.
The mother knew the rules and regulations. It is great and wonderful that you are teaching your son to take a cause and support it, but at the same time, a shirt, a bracelet, a lapel pin or something like that, that is not against the rules. I think she is trying to use her child in this case, to want to show up and clip his hair right at the school.