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Ellen DeGeneres surprises black teen told to cut dreadlocks with $20K scholarship

Photo by Steffen Prößdorf via Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Article by Janelle Griffith, Today

Ellen DeGeneres has taken up the cause of a black Texas high school student who was told he won’t be allowed to return to school or attend his graduation ceremony unless he cuts his dreadlocks — and surprised him with a $20,000 scholarship.

DeAndre Arnold, a senior at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, appeared in an episode of “The Ellen Show” that aired Wednesday.

At the start of the segment, DeGeneres told Arnold, “I’m sure this is not easy or comfortable for you,” referring to his appearing on television. “But I want you to just relax and know that I’m here for you.”

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