Dear Editor,

Once again, the semestral debates about hair and uniform have resurfaced after separate videos went viral on social media, highlighting that some students are being prevented from accessing education because of the length of their hair and skirt.

The situation — one of which occurred at McGrath High School — has prompted the Ministry of Education and Youth to investigate the matter. When questioned about the matter, Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon called for balance, highlighting that, “We have to balance order, something that we struggle with as a country, and we have to ensure that order is maintained in our educational institutions.” While conscious of students’ need for self-expression, Morris Dixon emphasised that “school is not a fashion runway”. Instead, it is about learning in an orderly manner.

Cognisant of the sensitivity of the matter, Morris Dixon provided a diplomatic response; however, it is clear that on a national level we continue to pussyfoot around the issue, and it is time to address it head-on.

We must implement sensible culturally and context-appropriate grooming rules in our educational institutions. We have spent decades enforcing grooming rules, but to what extent have they added meaningfully to academic outcomes? Is it that our focus is misplaced? Teachers and administrators must ensure that in their quest to exercise their authority, students are not deprived of their education.

“Rules are rules,” but do they always make sense? Are we aware that some rules can outlive their era? Have we truly assessed the effects of the rules in these different handbooks? I am still trying to understand what is so wrong and negative about a black boy’s hair. It is clear that we still struggle with self-acceptance and identity. But didn’t boys wear the Afro hairstyle during the 1960s?

If our concern is that they will become non-compliant when they enter the world of work, this position is misguided, as we have seen a shift even in the workforce. Having been policed as teenagers, adults want the freedom to express themselves in less restrictive ways.

To quickly address the long skirt lengths, why should schoolgirls’ uniforms be sweeping the ground? I am for modesty, but some ankle-length skirts are absolutely ridiculous in our tropical climate. Is this rule in place to prevent teenage pregnancy?

As a country, we must arrive at a consensus. The Ministry of Education has a revised grooming policy that is more accommodating, but it does not seem to be applied to all public schools. But, as a friend of mine (vice-principal) said to me, “Ministry doesn’t run school. The board does.”

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com