Dunedin's King's High School has backed down in its dispute with a student over his hairstyle].
Lewis O'Malley-Scott and his sister, Ori. Photo: Supplied
Lewis O'Malley-Scott, a Year 12 student of African-American descent, said his hair naturally forms an afro and after clashing with the school last year over that, he started this year with it plaited into cornrows.
He was then told by the school that his cornrows were an extreme hairstyle which had to be changed.
In a message to parents, the school's rector, Nick McIvor, said the school has reviewed the case and O'Malley-Scott would now be able to keep his braided style.
O'Malley-Scott works part time at a fast food restaurant, and his family thought the hairstyle would satisfy the hygiene needs of his job and end any friction with the school.
It was also the same hairstyle he wore when he started at the high school four years ago and it did not cause any problems at that point.
His choice of hairstyle was supported by both his parents, Michelle O'Malley-Scott and Nathaniel Scott Jr.