School years are often a mix of memorable moments and strict rules, something most of us can relate to. While some rules, like banning jewelry at athletic events, seem reasonable, others—such as rejecting a child for the length of their hair—feel outdated and overly harsh. These types of rules can not only limit personal expression but also miss out on important teaching moments.

For Bonnie Miller and her 8-year-old son, Farouk James, these strict rules have become a barrier to his education. Farouk, who lives in London, England, is no ordinary child. His striking appearance, particularly his long, voluminous hair, has caught the attention of model scouts, landing him opportunities in Italy and New York. Yet, despite his success in modeling, Farouk has faced rejection from multiple schools, all because of his hair.

Bonnie recalls that even Farouk’s older brother faced criticism for his appearance. However, Farouk’s long hair holds significant cultural meaning. His father, originally from Ghana, adhered to a traditional practice of not cutting a child’s hair until they are three years old. By then, both Farouk and Bonnie had grown attached to his flowing locks.

“It’s part of him, and honestly, part of me too,” Bonnie shared in an interview with CBS News. The issue, however, lies in the fact that most schools in the UK enforce policies that prohibit boys from having long hair, even though no such rule exists for girls. Bonnie sees this as a clear violation of human rights.

In her fight to challenge these rules, Bonnie has taken to social media, gathering support from a community of over 250,000 Instagram followers. She uses her platform not only to celebrate Farouk’s vibrant personality but also to advocate for change. In one post, she wrote, “I will not give up trying to persuade governments to put legislation in place to protect children from these outdated, punishing rules.”

Bonnie’s advocacy isn’t just limited to social media. She launched a petition on Change.org to make hair discrimination illegal in the UK, calling for fairness in school policies. “We’re building a team called ‘The Mane Generation,’” Bonnie explained, “and we’re determined to fight until these rules are changed—not just here in the UK, but globally.”

Despite the overwhelming support, Bonnie and Farouk have faced backlash. After appearing on a popular UK morning show to discuss their ongoing search for a school that would accept Farouk, the family received hate mail and negative comments. Bonnie expressed her disbelief, especially given the timing during Mental Health Awareness Week. “Farouk refuses to cut his hair to please others. His hair is a gift from God, and I’ve never asked him to keep it long,” she emphasized.

Bonnie also criticizes the gendered nature of many school dress codes, which often prohibit hairstyles like braids and dreadlocks for boys. She vows to continue fighting for Farouk’s right to express himself through his hair and for other children who face similar discrimination because of their cultural heritage.

As society progresses, Bonnie believes these outdated rules should have no place in modern education. She argues that students should not be turned away or penalized for something as trivial as the length or style of their hair. “Farouk’s hair is a part of who he is,” she asserts. “These rules need to be abolished.”

Bonnie Miller’s fight is far from over. As she continues to advocate for her son and countless others, she’s calling for schools to recognize the importance of personal and cultural expression—something that should be embraced, not punished.