Living Legends performer and BYU reach resolution on Honor Code lawsuit

Brigham Young University and Living Legends dancer Jerrhan First Charger have settled a lawsuit involving the dress and grooming standards outlined in the Honor Code.

First Charger dances for Living Legends, a group of students that celebrate the culture of North America, South America and the South Pacific through dance. They have a rich history, having performed for decades and traveling around the globe.

Many of the smaller groups within Living Legends include costumes paired with dance to celebrate and represent their respective culture.

For First Charger, his long hair not only reflects the appropriate cultural look of the people he honors in his performances, but it also carries a deeper meaning.

Facing suspension and removal from the dance team if he did not cut his hair within a week, First Charger wrote to BYU several times requesting an exception, but he was initially denied.

A member of a federally recognized Native American tribe, First Charger argued in a recent lawsuit that his long hair represented deeply held spiritual beliefs and tribal traditions.

According to the dress and grooming section of the university Honor Code, hair should be neatly trimmed and should avoid extreme styles.

In First Chargers lawsuit, he argued for a religious exception to BYUs Honor Code, claiming that BYU unlawfully discriminated against him based on race and religion in violation of federal civil rights law.

It also alleged a breach of contract.

Alleging that the threat of suspension and disciplinary action caused severe emotional distress and anxiety to First Charger, the lawsuit called for him to be awarded damages and to stay on the dance team.

In a statement from University Communications media relations manager Todd Hollingshead, BYU explained that the matter has been resolved, and First Charger will be able to dance for Living Legends and remain a student.

"Brigham Young University and Jerrhan First Charger have reached a resolution in this matter. Mr. First Charger will continue his studies at BYU and his participation in the BYU Living Legends Dance Team. Both parties are grateful for the opportunity to resolve this matter," Hollingshead said.

While this resolution will keep First Charger's right to his cultural expression through long hair, the university stressed that this is the exception, not the rule.

"The university's Honor Code, including its dress and grooming standards, reflects BYU's mission and remains in effect," Hollingshead said. "We also recognize on a case-by-case basis there might be rare exceptions."