These days [Kent McNew] wants a low profile. Even more than that, he said, he wants to be treated like any other student. That, Kent said, is why he left Surry County High School after suing the district in May to go back.

Kent, 17, and his mother, Phyllis Smith, with the help of the ACLU, sued the School Board because Kent had been suspended. According to a letter from a school official, Kent's suspension stemmed from his having blue hair.

Kent and school officials settled the suit in July. The school folks agreed to cover legal fees and Kent could return to Surry High. But he chose to move a few miles down the road and go to Hopewell High School.