ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) – Ashton Bodiford has missed more than two weeks of school because his hair is too long for a boy’s. That’s according to Rapides Parish School Board policy.

The Town Talk reports (http://townta.lk/19iQkc9 ) his hair falls past the middle of his back. School board policy requires male students to keep their hair no longer than chin-length in the back and no longer than 3 inches on top. There are no constraints about the length of girls’ hair.

Ashton’s parents, Shawn and Angela Brewton, contend the rules are unfair and discriminatory. They’re calling for a policy that’s equal for both genders.

Angela Brewton hopes to see changes made before the end of school. She says she sent the board a letter about the issue and plans to address them in April.