Ellen Pleads for Student’s Return to School After Dress Code Controversy

Hello DeAndre. So I know this is strange for you. Because you're in a

school

in a small town in Texas. And suddenly, this is national news. And now you're on television. And I'm sure this is not easy or comfortable for you. But I want you to relax and know that I am here for you. Thank you. That's why you're here. Because I don't understand this. You've been told you have to cut your hair so you can go back to

school

. You get good grades. You've never been in trouble, ever. This is the first time something has come up.

And now you haven't gone to school for weeks because of this situation. So, okay, when did this

dress

code

happen that you... because you've been wearing your hair up? Good? OK. Every day I went to school and always

dress

ed according to the dress

code

. But the thing about them is, if they let me down, I would be out of the dress code. And this problem really got worse after the Christmas holidays. So you had your hair up. And that was fine, but the point was that if you let him down, it would be beyond your… what is this supposed to be?

Isn't it supposed to pass through your ears? Yes. It cannot be on your face, beyond your ears or touching your neck. OK. Are there girls at your school? Oh yeah. OK. And do the girls have long hair? At my school there are many girls with long hair. If girls can have long hair, why can't I have long hair? That's my point. That's what I do not understand. Personally I think you should be able to wear your hair however you want, especially if there are girls with long hair. What is the difference if girls have long hair and boys have long hair?

And also, let's say that was the case. I do not think it's fair. That's my opinion. But also, this actually has more meaning for you. And tell everyone why. My hair really means... it's very important to me because my dad is from Trinidad. And you know, it's part of our culture and our heritage. And I really wish the school was open to other cultures, and at least allowed us to try to tell them some things. Don't just leave us out. Yes. I think that's what school is supposed to do, teach you about other cultures. You're not supposed to teach them.

They're supposed to teach you. So if you go back to school... let's say you want to go back to school tomorrow. What happens? So if I go back to school tomorrow, my only options are school suspension or alternative school. And what is alternative school? The alternative school is where all the kids who have behavior problems sell drugs and fight all the time. As if he wished them the best. And I know they have good qualities. But I don't deserve to be grouped with them. No. You have good grades. You don't use drugs. You don't do any of that.

And they won't let you walk at graduation. Which is the most important thing: you get this far in school and you want to walk to graduation. I've worked for this my entire life. I have strived to achieve this. I deserve this moment, to cross the stage and enter life. My parents deserve this. They're the ones who, you know, helped me get through anything. And you know, they just taught me everything. They deserve to see me walk across the stage. They sure do. Alright. We're going to take a break, and more with DeAndre after this. Let's talk about... you want to go to college.

Good? What do you want to specialize in? When I go to college, I want to be a veterinarian because I've always loved animals... everything related to animals. Just their sense of loyalty and camaraderie. You can't get it anywhere else. No. Unconditional love. I love it. Listen, do you know how much school time that is? For example, you have to go to more schools than a doctor for people. Going further... it's a long time. But I love that you want to do that. That is incredible. I have to say something to this camera right here. I beg you... this child is a good child.

He deserves to graduate, to walk with all the other kids. He's a good guy. I just urge you to do the right thing. Please. Please. Change your mind. You have an incredible future ahead of you. And as much as this has been a hassle, I think it will be an argument and an eye-opener for these people to leave, maybe we made a mistake. Hi Alicia. Alicia wants to tell you something. Alicia. Hello brother. Can I get some love? Alright. Well, I'm very happy to surprise you. And I want to tell you that I couldn't believe the story when I heard it.

And I'm so proud of you for standing up for what you know is right. And I know the school needs to do the right thing. Ellen and I, you know, called our friends at Shutterfly because we know you're a special person. And you are already destined for such greatness. And we wanted to support that greatness and invest in that greatness. And that's why we wanted to present you with a check for $20,000. Thank you so much. So when you go to college... Yes, proud of you. Thank you. There is nothing you can't do. I want to thank Hoda Kotb, Alicia Keys.

I see you tomorrow. Be kind to each other. Please change your mind. Come on, he's a good boy.