The petition called for the year 12 student to be allowed back at school - citing discrimination on behalf of management and staff at St Joseph’s College.
An anonymous student brought the issue to light last week, saying the teenage boy had been unfairly treated when he was sent home from school for having facial hair.
"This student has been singled out by teachers and has been forced to miss out on year 12 moments due to being human," the student said.
"He has missed out on the year 12 group photo and forced into the library instead of going to his VCE classes, but now the school has taken it a step further and suspended him due to the fact that he grows a beard.
"This student grows his beard for certain reasons which the school finds unacceptable and against school uniform policies."
They said several other students were not adhering to the uniform policy, but had not been dealt the same punishment.
"Most of the school uniform policies are not followed such as minimal makeup, no long nails, piercing should not be worn, no extreme and/or unusual hairstyles," they said.
"Nearly every single student is not following these rules, but they don't get punished and suspended from school."
The petition, which had gained almost 2000 signatures by Friday, sparked an uproar on social media, with many members of the community siding with the student.
"Student welfare, physical, emotional and intellectual, should be at the forefront of any decision making, not blind determination to enforce an outdated, inconsequential school policy," one person wrote.
"This is crazy!" another said.
St Joseph's College principal Michael Delaney would not speak to the Riv about the matter but referred us to a statement in the school's newsletter, which said the situation was a complex matter.
"Unfortunately, the promoters of this petition are not aware of all the facts of this situation," the statement said.
"What is being presented on social media as a simple challenge to the college's uniform and grooming expectations is oversimplifying a very complex and multi-layered situation.
"College staff members have been working with the family involved for several weeks now and we will continue to engage in mutually respectful dialogue with them and provide all the support possible to resolve this situation as soon as possible."
Mr Delaney said the school may review its policies in time.
"We have in place a robust schedule for regular cyclical review and at the appropriate time and in an appropriate manner we will consult with our community to review the uniform and grooming procedures," he said.
"These procedures are in place to help our students and families meet the expectations of the wider learning community that they have chosen to join."
The Riverine Herald understands the student has since returned to school.
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