School ditches braid ban after being called racist

A Massachusetts charter school has backed off its controversial braid ban after being called racist and receiving a letter from the state attorney general.

It all started in April when 15-year-old adopted African American twins, Deanna and Mya Scott, were banned from their extracurricular activities because they came to school with braids. They also received up to 14 detentions and risked being suspended.

The girls’ parents say many white students had also violated hairstyle rules but were not punished. The school's Interim Director Alexander Dan told CBS the rule was meant to minimize fashion expenses for families. Braids "could serve as a differentiating factor between students from dissimilar socioeconomic backgrounds."

This led to a letter from the state attorney general saying the policy singled out students of color and was illegal. There was also a complaint filed by the American Civil Liberties Union for discrimination.

The school board has now unanimously voted to get rid of the rule.

To see more videos like this one check out our “Digital Shorts” channel on TheBlaze.