By Shaun Hearen

LSN



ABBEVILLE – Having “a feather in your cap” is a good thing, just do not have one in your hair if you go to school in Vermilion Parish.

Feather hair extensions have been a popular trend for a few months. Students who have enjoyed the fashion, however, will have to remove the feather before going back to school on Aug. 16.

“The principals met on it,” Vermilion Parish Superintendent Randy Schexnayder said. “They discussed it and decided they would not allow it.”

The move falls under the same reasons other accessories are not allowed.

“It can be a distraction,” Schexnayder said.

The same as with unique variations of hair colors.

“They don’t allow any coloring in the hair which a person couldn’t be naturally born with,” Schexnayder said. “Some of these feathers are chartreuse and different colors like that. It’s hard to tell if the coloring is from a feather or if they dyed a strand of their hair. That was the rationale they (principals) used. They didn’t want to have to start hunting through kids’ hair to see if it was a feather or if they dyed there.

“They felt it was easier to just say no feathers.”

Schexnayder said the issue was brought to the schools by some parents.

“Some people do it the right way and call ahead of time to see if they have permission to do it,” Schexnayder said. “That’s how we were alerted to it. We had some people call (Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance) Brad Prudhomme. He brought it up at the principals’ meeting.

“They discussed it and felt it’s hard to enforce the coloring in the hair situation, and then allow the feathers to come in.”

Changes in rules for hair are not the only ones of note. Schexnayder said another major change is when it comes to color on uniform pants, skirts and shorts.

“Instead of the children only being able to wear a medium khaki bottom,” Schexnayder said, “they are accepting any kind of khaki.”