SOMERSET, Texas — A Native American Somerset High School senior — whose parents filed a federal lawsuit saying his right of religious expression was violated when he received an on-campus suspension — can return to class without having to cut his shoulder-length hair.

Jesus Figueroa’s long hair had been an issue since last school year, landing him in on-campus suspension a few times. After a battle that included the federal lawsuit, the Somerset Independent School District’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously yesterday night to grant the 17-year-old special dispensation from the district’s grooming policy. The policy bans males’ hair from touching the collar.

“We can make this a maelstrom, or we can bring resolution,” said board President Omar Pachecano in a story yesterday on the San Antonio Express-News’ Web site. “We are here as trustees to ameliorate the business of the district, not to cause any harm to anyone in any way, shape, or form.”

Figueroa is a P’urhépecha Indian who is from Michoacán, Mexico, and believes his hair is a gift from the Great Spirit and should be cut only to mourn the death of a loved one.

Superintendent Saul Hinojosa Jr. told trustees yesterday that Figueroa initially cited freedom of expression as his reason for not cutting his hair. It wasn’t until January that he cited religious beliefs, and school officials asked for proof that he was Native American.

His parents then filed the lawsuit in which they submitted a statement that they were, indeed, Native American. The judge ordered school officials to allow the student to return to the classroom and sent the case to the district level to be heard by trustees — which Figueroa’s parents had not requested. Based on that court document, Hinojosa recommended the board grant the exception.

“I feel so good that the school board finally decided to grant me the religious accommodation,” Figueroa said. “I feel good that they’re going to respect me for who I am — a native person.”

Somerset is located 18 miles south of San Antonio.