A proud Cincinnati Bengals fan is suspended from school because of his haircut.
The eighth grader from Butler County has a haircut with Bengal stripes on his head.
School officials said the haircut is inappropriate and it violates the school conduct policy.
14-year-old Dustin Reader's parents don't understand the problem.
"I think it's kinda cool myself," said mother Tina Wanamaker.
"I think it's been blown out of proportion by the school," said father James Reader.
Their son loves the Cincinnati Bengals, especially since they've been winning this
season.
"He's a Bengal fan and he's an A and B student at that. I mean, he doesn't understand. You know, what's the big deal," said Wanamaker.
The big deal according to Hamilton City School officials is that Dustin's creative haircut is against the rules.
School officials gave ONN a copy of the code of conduct manual. The dress code is listed on page 16 and explains what they think is appropriate.
"Unnaturally colored hair, extreme or distracting make up. [These] haircuts and hairstyles are not permitted," said school spokesperson Joni Copas.
Copas said Dustin was suspended Monday and hasn't been allowed to return to class.
"Each student signs the student agenda or planner to say I've read it, I understand it. Parents are pretty much aware of it as well," said Copas.
School officials said Dustin has been given a warning in the past and knew the consequences.
Dustin's parents don't think his haircut violates the policy.
"My son has a right to go to school. He also has a right to freedom of expression," said James Reader.
Plus, they said other students from the district have had similar haircuts and never got in trouble.
Wanamaker said her son has had at least three other unique haircuts.
"He's had them in past. What's the problem? It's a haircut," said Wanamaker.
A haircut that may get a fresh new look with or without the school's approval. James Reader said his son already has a new haircut in mind.
"It's gonna look similar to this in the back of his head. The helmet stripes are gonna stay and we're gonna try to put the tiger in back instead of the B," said James Reader.
School officials said they've been trying to resolve the issue with Dustin's parents and aren't sure when he'll be allowed to return to class.
