By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY
christopher.tuffley@newssun.com
SEBRING -- Michael Jestes, a 12-year-old sixth-grader at Hill-Gustat Middle School, showed up for classes Tuesday with his hair dyed a pink. The dye is not washable and will have to grow out.
The boy did this, his mother said, as a sign of support and respect for Breast Cancer Awareness month.
According to Jessica Jestes, her son was taken directly from the school bus to the office and given an in-school suspension.
After speaking with the school administration, Jestes called the News-Sun, other newspapers and television stations to protest what she said was denial of free speech.
Jestes said several women in her family have struggled with breast cancer. The subject "is dear to our family," Jestes said.
When her son asked her if he could dye his hair going into the Columbus Day weekend, she had said yes. Her husband and daughters had also dyed their hair she said, and her 2-year old has a pink mohawk.
Hill-Gustat principal Christopher Doty told the News-Sun, however, that the issue isn't about freedom of speech, but about following known rules.
Doty said that the School Handbook clearly states, on page 6, item 8 that "The dying of hair an unnatural color or unusual hair styles is distracting and therefore inappropriate for school."
Doty said all parents have to sign a form indicating they have read and understood the School Handbook and its rules. Doty said Jestes signed the form, and so should have known the rule.
Doty added he made multiple announcements to the student body, explaining his support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but reminding everyone not to dye their entire heads. A single pink strand or pink highlights were acceptable, he said he told them, but anything more was not.
Doty said the main lesson he wanted to teach students is there is a difference about creating awareness about a cause and drawing attention to yourself.
"Let's not make this about you," Doty said he told students.
Both Doty and Jestes agree that after a tense telephone conversation, Jestes appeared at the school with hair clippers and a video camera.
"She wanted to cut his hair right there in the (school) lobby," Doty told the News-Sun.
Jestes said, "I brought clippers with me, but he wouldn't let me use them."
Jestes told the News-Sun she has become concerned about her son's schoolwork since he will have to stay home or spend the school day on in-school suspension until his hair grew out or the pink was removed.
"He's a very, very good student," Jestes said. "He works his butt off. I don't want to see his grades suffer. I don't have a choice."
She added she would probably have to shave his head and dye it a darker color.
Tuesday, October 09, 2012 - www.newssun.com/101012-ct-pink-hair