Schoolboy, 15, forced to learn alone after teachers slam crew cut hair style that was ‘deemed good enough for the army’
Army cadet Damon Steel has been excluded from lessons at Marshland High School in Cambridgeshire
A TEENAGE army cadet who had his hair cut for an Armed Forces event has been ordered to stay in school isolation until it grows back.
Damon Steel, 15, was told by teachers his crew cut hairstyle was "inappropriate" - despite his sergeant approving it.
He's been excluded from lessons for nearly two weeks after the school said the haircut breached its uniform policy.
His mother, Elizabeth Steel, 53, has blasted the school's decision.
She said: "It is absolutely ridiculous to say that his hairstyle is unsuitable for a learning environment.
"My son is involved in the cadets. He was chosen to promote them at an Armed Forces weekend and his sergeant said his hair was good enough for the Army.
"I don't understand how the hairstyle can be good enough for the Army, but not good enough for the school.
"They can't just keep him locked up for weeks of end, it's not a prison camp."
Damon was one of a number of young cadets who helped out at an Armed Forces weekend in Wisbech, Cambs., on June 18.
He was chosen to work on a stall promoting the cadets and had his hair cut specially.
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But after returning to class at Marshland High School, in Wisbech, the next day, he was hauled out of lessons.
Elizabeth later posted pictures of Damon's hair cut on Facebook, which have been shared more than 72,000 times.
The school's website says: "All pupils' hair should remain a natural colour and the style of the hair should not make the pupil stand out.
"A haircut which leaves a child totally bald is not acceptable."
Elizabeth, who is married to painter and decorator Paul Steel, 48, added: "The school didn't even inform me about the situation. It was my son who told me all about this.
"I just can't understand how this haircut can prevent anyone from learning. His dad has the same hairstyle and he has a successful business."
Elizabeth has made the decision to keep Damon off school for the rest of the school year - but insists she will send him back with the same style in September.
She added: "I won't let them treat him like this. They have taken things too far.
"We won't budge on this one because he's done absolutely nothing wrong."
The Sun Online has contacted Marshland High for comment.
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