A second-grade Native American student in Utah was sent to the principal's office last week over his Mohawk hairstyle, which school officials claimed was a distraction that violated school policy.

Gary Sanden said that his 7-year-old son, Jakobe, was subjected to discrimination when he was kicked out of class at the Arrowhead Elementary School in Santa Clara over a haircut that reflected his heritage. He added that he is a member of the Seneca Nation while his wife, Teyawwna Sanden, is a member of the Kaibab Band of Paiutes Indians.

"They wanted Kobe to come home until we cut his hair," Sanden told the Salt Lake Tribune. "That's who he is. That's part of his culture."

According to Sanden, school officials asked the boy's mother to pick him up and change his hair because his Mohawk violated school policy, reports The Washington Post.

"We had the students that weren't used to it," Arrowhead principal Susan Harrah told Fox affiliate KSTU. "They had called that out. So the teacher brought the student to my attention."

Assistant superintendent Rex Wilkey also said in a statement that administrators decided the hairstyle was "possibly in violation of the school district student grooming policy" and "the student's parents were notified of the possible violation."

The school's online handbook also states: "Students have the responsibility to avoid grooming that causes a distraction or disruption, interrupting school decorum and adversely affecting the educational process. Extremes in body piercings, hair styles and hair colors may be considered a distraction or disruption."

In response, Jakobe's parents fought back, arguing that his Mohawk has cultural significance.

"I told the superintendent I was in no means going to cut his hair because it's a symbol of who we are," the 43-year-old father told The Washington Post.

However, the school demanded to see documentation from a tribal leader. So the couple asked Seneca Nation Councilor William Canella to write an official letter to the superintendent.

"From past centuries to the modern era, Native boys have worn their hair in various lengths and styles to demonstrate their pride in their heritage," Canella wrote. "It is common for Seneca boys to wear a Mohawk because after years of discrimination and oppression, they are proud to share who they are. It's disappointing that your school does not view diversity in a positive manner, and it is our hope that Jakobe does not suffer from any discrimination by the school administration or faculty as a result of his hair cut."

As a result, Jakobe was allowed to keep his Mohawk. Assistant Principal Rex Wilkey also pointed out that the boy was never sent home or suspended.

Still, Sanden said the school's handling of the situation felt discriminatory since Jakobe had to spend part of the day in the principal's office.

"To ostracize him like that -- that's stuff from the '50s," Sanden said.