An eighth grader in San Francisco might miss out on graduation pictures because of his mustache.
The student's mother said it is unfair, but the Archdiocese said boys must be clean shaven at all times.
The mother claims her oldest son, who also has facial hair, took graduation pictures at the school last year and reported no issues. She is wondering why there is a problem this time around with her 14-year-old son, Julio Pagana.
The faint mustache on Julio is a sign of coming into manhood, according to his mother, Patricia Morazan.
"It is kind of our tradition and we don't shave until we're 16," Julio said.
The boy's school, St. Peter's in San Francisco, sent a letter that said all boys must be shaved clean in order to take graduation pictures. Morazan was stunned to hear of the requirement.
"They're forcing the boys to do something they're too young to do," Morazan said. "It's usually a man that shaves."
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The Archdiocese said all boys have to be clean shaven, but the decision is ultimately left up to the school's principal.
With the school's letter showing agreement with the Archdiocese, Julio could face a suspension for holding onto a tradition.
"I'll be kind of sad or kind of mad," Julio said. "It will be sad because I won't get a chance to take pictures with my friends and my classmates."
Morazan plans to meet with the Archdiocese again sometime next week to discuss the issue.
Picture day at the school is scheduled for Jan. 20.
