Ref That Forced Kid To Cut Locks Before A Match Has Been Suspended

Source: AAron Ontiveroz / Getty

Ref That Forced Kid To Cut Locks Before Wrestling Match Is Currently Suspended Pending An Investigation

According to NBC, the New Jersey referee that forced a high-school wrestler to cut his dreadlocks right before a match has been barred from further officiating pending an investigation into the incident.

The Buena Regional High School student was told at a match that his hair and headgear were not compliant with regulation and would have to instantly cut his locks or forfeit the round, according to a statement Friday from the Buena Regional School District. Video of the student having his hair cut while in tears went viral after it circulated on social media the following day.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association released a statement that said it would recommend the referee to not officiate any matches until a review could be completed.

“Regulations regarding hair length and legal hair covers for wrestlers are provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations,” the statement read. “At this point, the NJSIAA is working to determine the exact nature of the incident and whether an infraction occurred.”

The NJ chapter of the “American Civil Liberties Union” also decried Maloney’s decision to cut the student’s hair, calling the rule discriminatory.

“No-loc bans are designed to oppress and shame Black people not just for expressing Blackness, but for their Blackness,” the group said in a tweet. “They have no place in our society and certainly not in our schools.”