Mississippi Elementary School Principal Accused Of Cutting Off Child's Dreadlocks

Source: Screengrab via WJTV-TV

A Mississippi school principal has been accused of cutting off a child's dreadlocks and "taking away his cultural identity."

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The incident took place on Monday at North Jones Elementary School in Jones County, Mississippi, during one of the child's classes. The 11-year-old was called to the office without reason, and the principal cut off portions of his hair hanging in front of his face, according to a report from WDAM 7.

Following the incident, the child's mother withdrew him from the school and has pressed charges against the school's principal and the school's counselor.

"I was highly upset," Lattrice Averette said. "I needed something to be done, and I wanted some justice for my son. He is autistic, suffers from ADHD and post-traumatic stress because of this school. I needed some help...I have been to the superintendent's office and I'm waiting for them to complete their investigation."

Averette shared pictures of her son's hair on Facebook, where the post became viral on social media.

Jones County school officials have concluded their investigation on the incident, with district superintendent Tommy Parker saying that there's no evidence to support the accusation. The investigation included interviewing students and faculty, as well as reviewing surveillance footage from the school.

"Based on what we found, we found absolutely no evidence that there is any proof what so ever that his allegations of having his hair cut at school exist," Parker said. "I spent two hours watching minute by minute video today to see if their was an occasion that the student that's made the accusations against the school's principal was at or near the school office. In the time frame he said he was at the school office, there is no video evidence that he was at or near the school office at any time."

"This story appears to be a total fabrication by this student," Parker added.

Source: WDAM 7