Denise pulled off Courtney’s hood again, revealing the shaved scalp. “This. Who did this?”

Gasps came from staff members nearby.

Moments later, Ms. Whitman entered, pacing as if she’d done something noble.

“She violated the hairstyle policy,” Ms. Whitman insisted. “It was disruptive, and I handled the situation.”

Denise’s voice rose, trembling with controlled rage. “You handled her? She is a child! And her hair is part of her identity. You had no right to touch her—let alone humiliate her!”

Parenting workshops

Courtney hid behind her mother, still shaking.

Principal Harris exhaled heavily. “Ms. Whitman, this is completely inappropriate. You should never alter a student’s appearance—especially without parental consent.”