PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — Less than a week after a Brigham Young University student filed a lawsuit against the school, claiming male haircut restrictions discriminated against his religious beliefs, Brigham Young University has confirmed that they will be making an exception for him.

Brigham Young University (BYU) requires all students to sign and adhere to their Honor Code, which includes standards on personal grooming students. Part of the Honor Code reads, “Men’s hair should be neatly trimmed” and that their hair “should be cut short”.

On March 18, Jerrhan First Charger filed a lawsuit against Brigham Young University (BYU). First Charger is a member of a Native American tribe and recently started attending BYU. He is also on the school’s dance team and had to sign the honor code in order to participate in it.

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First Charger requested a religious accommodation as cutting his hair would violate his religious beliefs, but BYU allegedly refused to provide any accommodation.

He alleges that BYU has ordered him to cut his hair or face suspension from the school, despite the fact that his long hair “is a sacred expression of his religious faith and tribal identity”, according to the lawsuit.

“The ultimatum forces Plaintiff to choose between violating his religious beliefs and cultural identity or losing his educational opportunities and athletic participation.” The lawsuit reads. “The threat of suspension and disciplinary action has caused Plaintiff severe emotional distress and anxiety.”

According to the lawsuit, First Charger has also sent several letters and emails to BYU officials asking them to make a religious exception. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs also sent a letter on his behalf that partially read, “There is already a long history of expected assimilation and destruction of Indigenous cultures through mandates and discriminatory practices.”

First Charger also brought up an exception made for a previous BYU student, Michael Rafael Williamson Tabango, who is a member of the indigenous Kichwa Nation and whose long hair is a part of his cultural identity, like First Charger.

Previous Coverage: BYU student petitioning Honor Code to preserve his native identity

Additionally, in the letters sent to BYU, First Charger pointed out that members of the football team had long hair but did not face suspension. He alleges that this could be due to favoritism, and notes that he maintains a neat and tidy appearance even with long hair.

Photos submitted to BYU by First Charger showing his adherence to the ‘neat and tidy’ portion of the Honor Code. Acquired via court documents.

On March 18, after BYU reportedly did not respond to First Charger’s letters, he filed a lawsuit against BYU, asking that the court prevents the school from suspending or disciplining him, or enforcing its hair-length policy against him.

Additionally, First Charger is asking the court to declare that BYU has violated federal civil rights laws and the court to require BYU to pay compensatory or punitive damages and award attorney’ fees and other relief as deemed proper.

BYU has since confirmed that they will be making an exception for First Charger, meaning that he will not have to cut his hair in order to remain at school and participate in the dance team.

A spokesperson from Brigham Young University provided a joint statement on behalf of the school and First Charger’s legal team. The statement reads:

“Brigham Young University and Jerrhan First Charger have reached a resolution in this matter. Mr. First Charger will continue his studies at BYU and his participation in the BYU Living Legends Dance Team. Both parties are grateful for the opportunity to resolve this matter.

The university’s Honor Code, including its dress and grooming standards, reflects BYU’s mission and remains in effect. We also recognize on a case-by-case basis there might be rare exceptions.”

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