A Woodlake Hills Middle School student showed up to school with an image of NBA star Matt Bonner shaved into his head. He was told he would face an in-school suspension if he didn't shave his hair, because the haircut would allegedly distract other students.



This is a gross violation of freedom of expression and sends a horrible message to the students at Woodlake Hills. It discourages individuality, self-expression, and creativity. The prohibition of unique haircuts suggests that school administrators only value and support conformity, and may even lead to increased bullying of students who don't fit in.



Students should be allowed to don whatever haircuts they prefer; but a haircut highlighting Matt Bronner is particularly harmless. Bonner is a great role model - he graduated from the University of Florida with a 3.96 GPA, and his mom is an elementary school teacher.



Tell Woodlake Hills Middle School that limiting personal expression is wrong, and that students should be allowed to present themselves and express themselves freely. School should be an environment that fosters creativity, not punishes it.