The ACLU of Louisiana and the Native American Rights' Fund in Boulder, Colo., which represented the family in the matter, said Nov. 19 that St. Tammany Parish's public schools superintendent had reversed a decision that the boy could attend school only if he wore his hair in a bun.

"All students have a right to freely exercise their religious beliefs," said Katie Schwartzmann, legal director for the ACLU of Louisiana. "That's all this is about."

Harjo's religion, like that of many Native Americans, includes a belief that hair should not be cut, except as a symbol of mourning upon the death of a loved one, Schwartzmann said.