Student punished for ‘extreme’ haircut intended to help with his eczema

A high school student who had a haircut to help with his severe eczema was suspended from school after teachers deemed the haircut too “extreme”.

Strood Academy principal Jon Richardson said their haircut policy aims to bring “equity and focus”.

But 15-year-old Liam’s parents are horrified that such action has been taken over a simple ‘fade’ – which he wears to cool his head so his eczema subsides.

“No Extreme Haircuts”

The school policy states: “No extreme haircuts. eg: Leather fades, graphics, lines and must be a minimum of first class trim (discretion of senior management teams).

Liam’s stepfather Barry Sandman said Liam’s punishment is “unnecessary and horrific”.

Sandman explained that Liam’s hairstyle was a way to cool his neck as his severe eczema worsens when he’s overheated.

According to reports, Liam had a close shave in September. 21, and went unnoticed until September. 25, when the school decided to give him detention.

His mother came in to take him home, so Liam spent the day studying, then visited the doctor, where he received a letter confirming his skin condition.

It wasn’t until September. 30 that he was allowed to return to school, his hair was thought to have grown long enough.

“It’s a sensible haircut”

Speaking to SWNS, Liam’s stepfather said the incident should not have happened.

“Something needs to change as Liam doesn’t have to miss out on teaching time in his final year of GCSE over a smart looking haircut. It’s not like he has a mohawk, massively long braids, or dyed blue hair.

“It’s a reasonable haircut.”

Head teacher Jon Richardson said in a statement:

“Strood Academy is committed to maintaining a positive and inclusive learning environment where high standards of behavior and appearance are upheld.

“The Academy has a clear and well-established dress code, including guidelines on appropriate hairstyles, which is communicated to parents and students at the start of each academic year.

“We are aware of concerns raised by a parent regarding a student who was placed in the academy’s behavior unit following concerns about the length of his haircut, which did not meet the academy’s uniform policy.”

The statement ended by confirming that they are working with the student and his parents.