KINGSTON, Jamaica — Child advocacy group Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) says it is offering free legal assistance to parents and guardians of students who have been barred from graduation ceremonies because of school grooming policies.

In a statement on Tuesday, the organisation said the move comes amid increasing reports of students being excluded from graduation activities over appearance-related issues, including hairstyles, grooming standards and other non-academic factors.

FWCF expressed concern that such decisions may unfairly affect vulnerable students and could conflict with principles of fairness, children’s rights and due process within the education system.

The foundation argued that students should not be denied participation in major academic milestones without clear, transparent and proportionate justification, particularly where disciplinary policies are inconsistently enforced or poorly communicated.

Through the initiative, FWCF will provide eligible families with legal guidance and representation through its network of attorneys, focusing on ensuring that schools uphold fair disciplinary processes and respect for children’s rights within the education system.

Parents and guardians seeking assistance are being asked to submit detailed complaints via email to info@fiwechildren.org, including parent/guardian name, child’s name, relationship to the child, school name, address, email, and contact number, a detailed account of the incident, the school’s decision regarding graduation, and the parish of residence.

The organisation said all applications will be reviewed, but only cases that meet its criteria will qualify for legal intervention.

“Our concern is not with school discipline itself, but with fairness, consistency and the protection of children’s rights,” the organisation noted. “Graduation is a significant milestone, and exclusion from it should never be arbitrary or punitive without due process.”

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