ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- An Albuquerque Public Schools student is in trouble over a controversial haircut.

In December a student showed up to Rio Grande High School with a 505 symbol on the back of his head, reported KOAT-TV in Albuquerque.

The principal pulled him out of class and took him to shave his head. Now a student at Harrison Middle School is suspended thanks to the same haircut. Robert Peralta, 12, and his mother called it a symbol of pride, but APS said they don't see it that way.

KOAT-TV reporter Sasha Andrade reported that Peralta is not allowed back into classes until the 505 and the "zia" symbol are removed from the back of his head. The district said it is a recognized gang symbol.

Peralta told Action 7 News he is not part of a gang, but he is part of the school's wrestling team, and that he got the haircut to represent Albuquerque during a big meet.

Wednesday the school took part in a standardized test that Peralta missed because of the suspension. He said he is afraid missing school would jeopardize his future.

"That's what I want to be, a professional wrestler, and I can't do that without my grades," Peralta said.

The Peralta family said Robert will return to school on Thursday with the same haircut, but APS said he won't be allowed near students because of the possible gang symbol, and because he'll be a distraction.

Albuquerque Public Schools said they allow students to have designs on their heads as long as they are not gang-, drug-, alcohol-, or sexually related.