Greeley 6th Grader Dyes Hair Blue, Sent Home For Violating ‘Anti-Gang’ Dress Code

Back in my younger days, I used to drastically change the color of my hair every couple of months. I think I went nearly 6 years without having a "natural" hair color. I saw today on Facebook from the Greeley Tribune that a 6th Grader from Brentwood Middle School was sent home because she dyed her hair blue and that blue color violated the "anti-gang" dress code at the school.

Guess who's side I'm on with this one? (You might be surprised.)

Now, at first glance I was miffed about this story. As you can see from the photos above, I would have been kicked out of that school numerous times for my hair colors. I was never involved with gangs but I loved dying my hair. Some are complaining that the school is violating her right to express herself.

However, here is the school's actual dress code. Sure enough, the very last thing on the list at the school is, "Unnatural hair color in red or blue are not permitted."

So, as much as I want to side with the girl on this one, I feel like I have to side with the school. This wasn't a surprise they spring on her today. The dress code clearly states that she can't dye her hair blue. I may think the rule is stupid in the first place, but it is a rule and this girl violated it. So sending her home seems like just "punishment."

She could have been sent home for wearing a super-short skirt, for wearing a midriff shirt, or even for wearing a number 18 Peyton Manning jersey. All of those rules are pretty clear cut in the dress code.

Do I think a rule against having hair dyed blue is stupid, yes. But do I think the school "violated" her freedom of expression by sending her home. No. They were just enforcing the rules that were already in place. (What a novel idea.)

And just because she may not have "known" about the rule doesn't mean she doesn't have to follow it. The lesson this girl should learn is,  "know the rules," and she's going to have to learn them the hard way this time.

I personally think her blue hair is pretty sweet looking, and I bet she could wear it in other some other schools and be just fine. But it's a big no-no at Brentwood and it has been for a long time.

If you break rules you have to face consequences. Whether those rules or those consequences are good or bad is a  completely different debate.

What's your take?

Read more about the girl's story from the Tribune here.