On April 28, 2022, reports surfaced that Kingston College’s administration had barred students from entering the school’s compound due to inappropriate hairstyles. The school’s principal, Dave Myrie, has, however, denied these reports, stating instead that students were asked to correct grooming infractions, relating mostly to their hairstyles, before returning to class.

Nonetheless, the reports continued to spread like wildfire, and I was very astonished to see that the majority of teenagers were against this act. Adults and young people alike ranted on their social media platforms about how cruel the school’s stance was, and that institutions who implement this type of punishment are going against the rights of students and their free will.

I most certainly condone the actions of Kingston College, and I would encourage each and every institution across Jamaica to enforce rules in like manner because this is one of the ways to bring back the Jamaica we once knew. The Jamaica where crime and violence are not prevalent, and the country where students respect teachers.

Students need to understand that there is a difference between fashion and school. Fashion is focused on the latest trends in clothing, hair, decoration, behaviour, etc. School is an institution designed for educating humans. Students are sent to school with only one responsibility — to learn. Why should a student disregard the rules of the school for a trend which provides no intellectual gain to his/her academic path? Rules are put in place to attain a certain objective, and in this case the objective is for students to attain the best possible education.

I agree that there are different ways to discipline students, but every student cannot be disciplined using the same methods. For example, you have two children, one you may reprimand in a calm but firm tone and he/she will listen, on the other hand, you may have to be more loud and aggresive with the second child because that’s the only way he/she will listen. It’s the same with students. Some you may speak to and they obey, others may require a drastic and harsh stand, such as locking them out of school, in order to get them to comply.

The Jamaican school system does not allow for easy control of students — each and every Jamaican citizen must agree with this because it’s true. Young people tend to lose focus easily, so it’s the school administration’s responsibility to instigate corrective measures in order to keep its students on track as it relates to education — nothing else.

We all know that when children are given too much freedom they get carried away, which may result in early pregnancies, disrespect, crime and violence, and a host of other unfortunate situations. To drive the point home, let’s use this example: All youth have sex drives. If a girl sees a boy in a tight pants she may be turned on like a light switch, and if a boy sees a girl in a short, tight skirt he will be tempted to touch — it’s natural. Teachers are typically trained in adolescent psychology; therefore, it’s a part of their duty to guide students accordingly. With that said, as simple as a hairstyle may seem, principles have to be in place to alleviate possible negative effects.

I see many individuals posting that there is nothing wrong with the height of the students’ hair. I personally cannot say that there is nothing wrong with the height of the students’ hair because I don’t know Kingston College’s dress code, but I have confidence in the school’s administration and its ability to be objective.

I have heard more than one rumours that the Jamaican Government limits its citizens to specific hairstyles. The Jamaican Government does not limit its citizens to specific hairstyles. The Jamaican Government supports other institutions and business places who have dress code polices because it’s there for a reason.

There is a saying, “First impression counts.” To my female readers, if you have a boyfriend and he grows out his hair, wears his pants super tight and sagging, showcasing his derriere, would your parents be pleased if you were to introduced this boy to them? The first thing that would probably come to their minds is that the person is a player and his modus operandi is to get sex — nothing else. The same principle is to be applied here. Each institution has a standard, and all these institutions ask is that their students get good grades, follow the rules, and pay their school fees. They don’t want anybody to lower the standards of their schools.

Rules are in place for a reason. Many teenagers and young adults alike won’t understand because they see rules as a form of oppression. Rules are upheld to maintain order and standards. Nobody wants to administrate a “patty shop”. Although we are humans with free will, God legislates rules for us to follow, and if we do not follow them there are consequences.

alexiousgonzales6@gmail.com