Dear Editor,

I doubt that all students of Westwood High School like wearing hats as part of their uniform, especially in 2022. However, these young girls conform to the institution’s dress code.

We can always argue that certain institutional rules should be relaxed. However, what cannot be argued is permission to break the rules. These are two different things.

Instead of fighting for rule-breakers to get away with non-compliance, advocate to have the rules reviewed. There is room for this. But there are consequences when you break the rules.

Meanwhile, we should encourage children to follow the rules until change comes. This is how we learn to respect the rule of law in society. Believe me, there will be time to wear a mop on their heads, if they want. I mean, bonnets are now a thing!

As long as you are a part of an institution, be it school, work, politics, etc, the rules are the rules. You conform or find another institution where you’re comfortable.

Educators at certain levels will give you empirical evidence regarding how behaviour changes negatively, depending on a child’s deportment, environment, etc.

Many of the people advocating to “fly di gate” do not have at-risk children. Institutions have to deal with all types from all walks of life and the rules are made to cover everybody in one fell swoop. Right now there’s a debate about teachers arming themselves.

Some parenting styles leave much to be desired, and the burden is often left on school administrators to undo the damage caused by poor parenting, hence the implementation of drastic measures which are indeed sometimes archaic.

What we need are more boarding schools to lead our children in the right direction since some parents are failing.

I met some fine young ladies and men at university who attended boarding high schools, one of whom was my room-mate, who I taught patois.

It is not just about a hairstyle.

Let us take the emotions out of it and take a serious look at our youth, especially our boys who have returned from the novel coronavirus pandemic armed and killing each other, and ask ourselves what measures will bring them in line. There is much to be derived from order and the respect for it in society.

In a nation of young guard ring-wearing scammers and murderers, we had better encourage order and conformance before we are staring down the barrel of a gun.

Suzette Campbell

https://iamsuzettecampbell.com/