Indigenous student prevails in dispute over hair at BYU

An Indigenous student reached a resolution with Brigham Young University after challenging school policies requiring him to cut his hair, according to the Daily Mail. Jerrhan First Charger, a member of the Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy, filed a federal lawsuit after being told he could be removed from class and suspended from the BYU Living Legends dance team for wearing long braids tied to his culture. Brigham Young University is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

University officials later allowed First Charger to continue his studies and remain on the dance team with an exception to its Honor Code grooming standards. The university said the policy remains in effect but may allow rare exceptions on a case-by-case basis. First Charger said his hair reflects his cultural identity and traditions, and he sought recognition of that significance in his communications with the school.