Gladewater, TX — Kienjanae “KJ” Hooper, an 18-year old high school senior from Texas, says she was heartbroken when the principal at her school told her she was not allowed to march and graduate at the in-person ceremony unless she removes or covers her braids.
However, she got disappointed when she learned from her principal at Gladewater High School, Cathy Bedair, that she couldn’t graduate because of her hair, which has been in braids throughout the school year and was colored.
Even before this whole hair thing people were saying that [about her].”
Meanwhile, Gladewater ISD Superintendent Sedric Clark claims that the principal was only concerned about KJ’s hair color, in accordance with the school’s dress code that states “hair coloring shall resemble a natural color.”
After discussing through phone calls with KJ’s mother, Kieana Hooper, the principal initially decided to let her graduate if KJ at least covers her hair with a cap during the ceremony.
