La. student suspended for long hair

DENHAM SPRINGS, La., March 19 (UPI) -- An American Indian junior high student has been suspended for refusing to cut his hair, which he says he keeps long for cultural and religious reasons.

Seth Chaisson, a member of the United Houma Nation from Denham Springs, La., was suspended from Juban Park Junior High Tuesday, WDSU-TV in New Orleans reported.

Chaisson told the TV station school officials say he will not be allowed back in class until he trims his locks.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana has stepped into the fray, writing the school's principal that "the First Amendment guarantee of religious freedom prohibits the interference with Seth's religious practice, including the length of his hair," Marjorie Esman, the legal group's executive director, said in a news release Friday.

Esman said the ACLU had not heard back from the school and so submitted a formal appeal on Chaisson's behalf, "seeking reversal of all disciplinary actions against him and demanding that his record be cleared.

"Preventing a native American from wearing his hair long is like preventing a Christian from wearing a cross. The law protects all faiths, including that of Seth Chaisson. Seth should be commended for his courage in standing up for his religious beliefs and cultural heritage."