Each school has its own set of rules to maintain a safe environment and teach students discipline and responsibility. However, they’re not always fair in kids’ eyes. So they rebel.
The student was sporting his luscious locks until the new principal arrived
Image credits:Gianna B (not the actual photo)
But she instructed him to cut them or he would be expelled
Image credits:mostafa meraji (not the actual photo)
Image credits:PinkOrgasmatron
Many schools still restrict student’s hairstyles
Image credits:Pixabay (not the actual photo)
Even though it might seem outdated, many schools still have rules about student’s hairstyles. It’s estimated that about59% of dress codesin the U.S. restrict the way kids choose to wear their hair. One in five policies includes subjective language such as natural, clean, well-groomed, and even free of distractions.
Additionally, more than 80% of schools restrict head coverings like durags and hijabs. Only one-third of the dress codes allow them for religious or medical reasons, despite many of them holding religious or cultural significance for students.
In many K–12 schools (from kindergarten until 12th grade), it’s perfectly legal to have grooming policies, which often prevent students from wearing protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, Bantu knots, or certain lengths. Some educators claim schools should be able to control students’ hair so they can identify their gender.
Forcing kids to change their hairstyles to “the standard” can have negative effects
Image credits:cottonbro studio (not the actual photo)
Enforcing such rules can be damaging to students. School administratorAlyssa Pavlakis, who has experience researching school dress codes, said, “In order for students to get to the point where they can learn, they need to feel a sense of belonging. They need to feel cared for and loved.” If we spend part of their day telling them, “You don’t look right” or “You could be unsafe because you have a hat on,” the kids won’t feel supported but rather criticized and isolated.
Not to mention, to adhere to grooming policies, students with naturally frizzy, curly hair need to have it pressed or straightened, which usually requires a lot of heat and chemicals that damage it. Kids from low-income families sometimes don’t have access to such treatments and can’t go to the salon to “fix” the locks growing from their heads.
It’s also a part of our identity and culture. Hair can be used as a significant symbol of a religion, ethnicity, or social group. Different cultures have distinct hairstyles that are specific to their traditions, just like intricate braids in some parts of Africa. In some religions, the hair is sacred and never cut. In others, it’s often covered and symbolizes many different things, such as modesty, spirituality, or even courage. By prohibiting hair as a form of expression, schools are taking away a part of who they are.
Also, some students are at the age when they care a lot about what other people think of them, so having a good, self-chosen hairstyle can do wonders for their self-confidence. When students aren’t allowed to wear hairstyles that make them feel comfortable, it may lead to feelings of discomfort and inadequacy. Restricting their choices also prevents them from expressing their own style and individuality.
New laws are appearing to prevent hair discrimination
Fortunately, actions have been taken to address some issues with these policies.In the UK,schools are warned against punishing students for wearing their hair in natural afro styles such as braids, cornrows, and plaits to prevent discrimination. Uniform and appearance policies that ban certain hairstyles without exceptions based on race and religion will be unlawful.
The U.S. also legislated a law called theCROWN Actthat forbids discrimination based on hair texture and style. CROWN stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” making these grooming codes illegal in educational and professional environments. First enacted in California in 2019, the law is now passed in 24 states. Not all of us are as brave to stand up for ourselves as the hero in this story, so this legislation gives us hope of leaving hair discrimination in the past.
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