SCHOOL'S OUT FOR ORAN STUDENTS WITH RED AND GREEN TRESSES

"We're not suspended and we're not expelled; we're just not allowed in school."

Such is the plight of red- and green-haired Amanda Green and Shanna Abner, sophomores at Oran High School. The 16-year-olds were not allowed into school Monday morning because their hair color violated the student dress code.

The two girls were told by Don Moore, the principal, that they would not be allowed on school grounds until their hair was a "natural color." Abner's hair is naturally brunette; Green's hair is naturally blond.

They dyed their hair red and green in honor of Abner's birthday.

"I think it's just ridiculous," said Janet Abner, Shanna's mother. She said she is consulting with an attorney about the possibility of getting a court order to allow the students to return to school.

Moore said he could not comment directly on any matter concerning student discipline. "If there is a dress code violation," he said, "we would hope the student would make the change and get back into class as soon as possible."

The only rule regarding hair in the Oran student handbook states that hair should be kept neat and clean. However, another rule under the dress code states that "any other questions that arise concerning student dress must be directed to and cleared with the principal."

The student dress code also states that "students are expected at all times to dress in a manner that is appropriate to the time, place, and purpose", and that dress and grooming should "meet basic expectations of society in general and the local community".

The code states that those who cannot conform to these expectations will be sent home to change.

"(Students) should contact the principal to see if something causes a distraction or disruption in the classroom," said Moore. "Hair color is something we would consider to see if it causes a distraction or a disruption."

Shanna Abner said she colored her hair on Oct. 17, and the principal noticed her hair the next day. "He wanted to know if it was a spray in or a dye," Abner said. "When I told him it was a dye, he said he'd have to get back with me on whether it was a school violation."

According to Abner, Green colored her hair similarly over the weekend, and on Monday went to school. Green was sent home until her hair was a natural color, and she immediately went to Abner's home to inform her, according to Abner. Both girls decided to remain out of school the remainder of the week to allow the dye a chance to grow out.

Green said she dyed her hair violet at the beginning of the school year but was not sent home. "(The principal) called me aside and said the school usually required a natural color, she said, but as long as the hair color would wash out in a few minutes, it would be OK."

Green and Abner are not sure what will happen with their grades during the time they are away from school. Moore said the time away from school because of dress code violations is the responsibility of the student.

"It's up to the student," he said. "If the students go home and change, they probably won't miss much."

Moore said the school has not had an incident in which a student missed a prolonged amount of time due to a dress code violation.

The students' parents each received letters Monday informing them of the school's attendance policy. The policy states that if students have seven or more absences, whether excused or unexcused, the work may not be made up. If the absences are due to extended illness or serious accident, there may be an extension. However, a doctor's note is required explaining the reason for the prolonged absence.

As of Monday, each girl had five absences due to their hair color. Abner's total absences for the first quarter was 11.