A school in Oklahoma denied entry to a 7-year-old girl who arrived sporting dreadlocks, saying that it is against school policy and that it would "distract" other students, according to a Fox 23 News Tulsa report.
Terrance Parker said Deborah Brown Community School officials "hassled" him about Tiana's dreadlocks, until he was told his daughter could no longer attend classes. She didn't look "presentable," Parker said he was told.
"She's always presentable. I take pride in my kids looking nice," said Parker.
However, the charter school has its own set of rules. The girl's father said he was fully aware what was expected when it came to hair rules, but is left perplexed over their rigidity.
"She went to the school last year and didn't have any problems," said Parker.
Parker said her hair looked the same.
"It hurt my feelings to the core," said Parker.
I think that they should let me have my dreads," said Tiana.
As a result of the school ban on dreadlocks, Tiana's parents had to enroll her in a new school, where she wears a different uniform but has the same hairstyle. According to her new school, her hair is fine.
Watch this video form KOKI, broadcast Sept. 4, 2013.
