This is 12-year-old Vanessa VanDyke.
Vanessa loves her natural hair, and has been wearing it this way since the beginning of the school year.
But not everyone at her school is a fan of her hair.
Sadly, this story is not unique. 7-year-old Tiana Parker was sent home from her Tulsa school because of her dreadlocks.
This pressure to assimilate and adhere to western standards of beauty is why many people of color began straightening their hair in the first place.
@Karnythia Yep. My former boss once called me nappy-headed in front of about a dozen coworkers. #livingwhilenatural
Dacia
@daciatakesnote
@Karnythia Yep. My former boss once called me nappy-headed in front of about a dozen coworkers. #livingwhilenatural
#livingwhilenatural you may be the smartest, most capable, dignified woman in the room but you are never " professional"
Sydette
@Blackamazon
#livingwhilenatural you may be the smartest, most capable, dignified woman in the room but you are never " professional"
When family members suggest that you straighten your hair for an "important event"... #livingwhilenatural
Reá
@thiswomanswordz
When family members suggest that you straighten your hair for an "important event"... #livingwhilenatural
Harassed for 2 months by Principal & teachers because of my dreads. Finally stopped when I threatened to call the ACLU. #livingwhilenatural
Brandie
@msbrandiebrown
Harassed for 2 months by Principal & teachers because of my dreads. Finally stopped when I threatened to call the ACLU. #livingwhilenatural
Look at #livingwhilenatural and understand that we all have a story because it's common for us to be shamed for our hair.
Mikki Kendall
@Karnythia
Look at #livingwhilenatural and understand that we all have a story because it's common for us to be shamed for our hair.
Vanessa's mother has vowed to fight for her daughter's right to wear her hair as she pleases, saying "she is beautiful the way she is."
UPDATE - Nov. 27, 11:35 a.m. ET: School officials say they are no longer threatening to expell Vanessa. Administrators released the following statement to WKMG:
"We're not asking her to put products in her hair or cut her hair. We're asking her to style her hair within the guidelines according to the school handbook."