HOPEFIELD Preparatory School in St Andrew has signalled that it will not back down on its decision to refuse admission to three-year-old Zavier Assam because of how his hair is groomed, despite public outcry.

In a press release yesterday, the school said that it was disturbed by public statements made, but noted that in seeking to foster and maintain the good discipline for which the school is known, from time to time issues arise requiring very sensitive treatment and the outcomes are not always to the satisfaction of all involved.

“One such situation developed this week, which has attracted much public attention. Notwithstanding the school’s acknowledged success, the school seeks to maintain a quiet presence in the community, and to conduct its affairs accordingly, which we feel requires some public comment,” the school stated.

“Whilst we are disturbed by several allegations made publicly, we reserve comment upon them and assure the public that Hopefield’s teachers and administration have always been committed to doing their best for our students, and continue so to do. The student population of 183 (90 boys and 93 girls) is especially diverse, with students from several nationalities worldwide, of several different ethnic origins, and various religions, and every effort is made to provide a varied and enriching experience for them all,” the school added.

Moreover, Hopefield said that, having regard for various regulations and the well-established and documented rules of the school, which are not unique to that institution and which are applied to all of its students, it is satisfied that the matter was properly handled.

The release concluded that Hopefield remains committed to ensuring that the new school year proceeds with the usual efficiency and sense of purpose which have made it a place of discipline, enjoyment and satisfaction for students, teachers, parents, and well-wishers over these many years.

The release was issued as Education Minister Ruel Reid described the incident as unfortunate, and said the school dealt with the matter in a harsh way.

“It is a three-year-old boy and the hair length, by my estimation, didn’t warrant such a harsh action,” he said.

However, Reid said moving from a point of leadership, the ministry will be meeting with the stakeholders to assess the situation, general rules and regulations and to ensure that in governance there will be transparency, while ensuring that no one feels disenfranchised.

He added that the education ministry’s mandate is to ensure every child has access to education and should not be refused for reasons that are not justified.

The responses from Hopefield and Reid came after the boy’s mother, Dr Penelope Amritt, told the

Jamaica Observer that in June, when she applied for a space at the school, the vice-principal told her, “He can’t come to the school with his hair like that, it has to be cut.”

She said after thinking about it over the summer she felt very strongly that she shouldn’t be forced to make a decision to cut her son’s hair.

“I didn’t want to cut his hair and I felt it was discriminating against him and his gender,” Dr Amritt said, adding that the vice-principal told her that the reason she felt that boys should cut their hair is because it’s untidy and dirty.