Early February 19th, I Madison Newell had arrived at school expecting to receive an education but was confronted immediately over the color of my hair. I have had neon orange, bubblegum pink, cherry red, lemon yellow, all shades of blue, and whatever else without issue in the past. Frankly it was humiliating to be confronted in such a way for all of my peers to see. I was pulled aside and spoken to by a handful of permian staff, one of whom was blatantly rude, disrespectful, and spoke to me in such a way that made me feel inferior. Throughout the past semester I have watched many students come and go with various different hair colors and styles, and it seems unreasonably unfair that Permian staff will pick and choose when to enforce the rules, especially when it is convenient for them. I understand that it is the rules that we were given upon enrolling to Permian, but I strongly believe that if rules are to be enforced at all that they must be consistently put into effect, which they have not. 

A bit about us, we are 16 year old students with an above average GPA, we rarely miss school, We were acknowledged for our PSAT scores, and we are not delinquents by any sense of the word.  We do more than is required of us at this school, and my (Madison Newell) education is about to be ripped away from me because my hair is green? If a young person can walk around Permian with a full sleeve of tattoos, or someone can pierce their face with jewelry why can I not express myself through my hair. Tattoos are another wonderful way to express yourself, but they are a permanent decision that frankly is far more “distracting” than any bright-colored hair will ever be. During highschool years kids are in that period in which they are transitioning from childhood to adulthood. This time is perfect to experiment and explore the things you like, specifically self-expression. Not everybody will choose to dye their hair fun and exciting colors but who is so judge those who do. When we become real adults with real responsibilities we will have to conform to society's image of “normal”. We know that much now, so why not while we have the chance take the opportunity to have fun and express ourselves. I continuously say expressions not because I have no other points but this is the most important. Some people use expressions like hair dye, clothing, makeup, piercings, and body mods as a way to cope. Not everybody has a perfect life, and sometimes changing up how you look gives you control and boost of confidence when you feel at your lowest. Some people will never see expression this deeply, but to some it's a saviour. Growing up is difficult, especially when the people around you make it harder than it has to be. Some will see our point of view as dramatic or overwhelming, but why should we dial ourselves down and conform to what others want us to be when there is a whole sea of opportunity and individuality. Not everybody wants to look like everyone else, some of us crave that sense of having our own identity because throughout our whole lives people have strived to rip that sense of freedom away from us. 

Even after all this effort, I cannot make a change, I will find comfort in knowing that I am standing up for my rights to be myself and without simply taking a suspension. This suspension will have me removed from the art competition V.A.S.E, as well as the one act play, and possibly NAHS. Now you might be thinking, why not just redye my hair to a more simple color such as black or brown. That is simply not the point, the point I am going to stand behind is that myself and countless others that attend Permian High School should not be punished over something that bothers no one other than the teachers who take time out of both their day and mine to scold me and belittle me over a semi-permanent change to my own body. 

We have been laughed at, shot down, and told to pick our own battles. So here we are, doing just that. We are not overlooking or disappreciating the many opportunities made available to us by Permian, but we believe that a change such as this one would benefit everyone involved. Students will enjoy a newfound freedom, and teachers and staff will have one less thing to worry about, because God knows they have a lot on their plate. 

We would like to thank you for taking the time out of your day to read what we have to say, and we whole-heartedly hope that you will take serious consideration to our petition for freedom to self-express in Permian High School.