Editorial: Challenge to school principles

Hastings St John's College student Lucan Battison, 16, right, and his lawyer Jol Bates leaving the High Court in Wellington. Photo / APN

It doesn't really matter whether or not you agree that Lucan Battison should be allowed to wear his hair however he likes at school. In the end, it's not really about hair.

The Hawke's Bay teenager has made headlines after his parents challenged his school in court for suspending him over his long hair.

Yes, you read that right.

Because St John's College in Hastings won't let Lucan wear his hair long, or even tied back, the issue has gone to the High Court.

You could almost forgive a teenager for thinking this was a matter of principle so important our courts needed to be involved. It's not like they've got better things to be used for. And it's not like a Year 12 student doesn't have more important things to focus on.

But Lucan has the full backing of his parents. His father was the one who sought the judicial review of the school's decision.

Their lawyer argued this week that Lucan was following in the footsteps of Martin Luther King and Kate Sheppard. So ... this battle for the rights of long-haired teens echoes the struggles for equality of race and gender?

Let's forget that this fight is over a hairstyle. Because it's not.

It's really about a principal's principles versus a student's principles.

This could be a battle over the wrong shoes, a tattoo or nose piercing.

By signing up for St John's College Lucan agreed to follow the rules prescribed by the school, no matter how relevant or silly they may at first appear.

Yes, your natural Kiwi instinct may be to defend the underdog, back David over Goliath, but let's not pretend this is such a noble cause.

Just think, it's not really that long until Lucan finishes school and he can do whatever he likes with his hair.