Principal Tonya King denied junior Jim Stack’s request to grow out his hair for Locks of Love, an organization that makes wigs for sick children. The school board will vote on this request Monday.

“Had I approved Jim’s request, then I would have students every day asking if they could also break the dress code,” King said. “The school would be in chaos then.” The school dress code requires that a male student’s hair must be of natural color and no longer than collar length. Stack even agreed to tuck his hair into his shirt so it wouldn’t be noticeable. After King denied Stack’s request, he wrote a letter to the school board requesting permission.

“He could have a fundraiser and donate money to the organization,” King said. “I can’t bend the rules for one student.” Even though King offered a fundraiser, the organization desperately needed human hair more than money, according to Locks of Love president Gisel Roco.

“Donating my hair is a very special project to me,” Stack said. “Anyone can donate money, but it takes time and dedication to grow your hair and donate it.” Stack’s younger sister, Jasmine Stack, received a wig from Locks of Love after she was diagnosed with cancer. When his sister received the wig, Stack decided he wanted to donate his hair.

“I won’t be hurting anyone when my hair gets longer,” Stack said. In support of Stack, the student council wrote a letter to the school board that contained 350 signatures. The letter had 150 signatures of students who also were willing to donate their hair, 78 of these being males.

“I think it’s cool that Jim wants to do this,” student council president Gilbert Castillo said. “Girls have long hair, and no one is distracted. Rules were made to be broken, and this is a very good reason to break one.”