A member of the United Alliance party has strongly criticised a rule requiring male pupils in government primary schools have their hair cut short in order to continue their education.
Marjorie Smith asked for a review of “such archaic policies”, after a child was given a letter this week saying they must cut their hair or would not be allowed to return to school.
In a statement on ZJB Radio, Smith responded to the letter from education director Gregory Julius, which asked for the school and home to work together to maintain the regulations.
“I am in agreement that the school and home should work in partnership to uphold rules and codes of conduct, but such rules must be fair, and reasonable,” she said on 16 April.
“While I support proper grooming and well-presented appearances, I must ask what is the impact of the length or plaiting of the hair on learning or behaviour?”
The letter, handed to the pupil on 15 April, said hair on boys must be less than 3/4 inches long, and undercuts, mohawks, high-tops and fades are not permitted.
“How much time do the authorities intend to devote to checking the length of each boy’s hair. Is it that students will lose learning time to allow this to be done?” Smith asked.
She went on to inquire whether there will be a separate rule for white students, saying this is “in no way meant to be a racist comment”.
“But we are aware of how quickly that as well as some other hair types can grow. Just think about the frequent trips they’ll need to make to the barbershop,” Smith said.
She also queried why girls are allowed to wear hair extensions, and asked why is the rule only for primary schools and not secondary schools.
‘Registered’ Rastafarians
In the letter, the education director added that the hair of “registered Rastafarian students” must be completely covered with a stocking cap or other head covering.
“Why force a Rasta to cover his or her hair? Hair that God gave to them, just like any other individual,” the United Alliance member continued.
She said of great significance is the use of the term “registered Rastafarian” and suggested that is a form of discrimination
“If one is not registered, would that preclude him or her from being accepted in school? For which other religion or group is registration a requirement?” she asked.
Smith then addressed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which states no child should be discriminated against and all children have a right to education.
“Since there should be no discrimination and children should not be deprived of their education, how are these guidelines by the Ministry of Education justified?” she asked.
A full review
The convention also states that children have a right to their own identity, which, Smith said, the government should defend.
“In Montserrat, we are known to adopt quite a number of the social policies from the UK. Male students there are allowed to have plaited hair even in primary schools.
“And right there in Anguilla and the BVI, which are two of our close neighbouring overseas territories, such policies are considered irrelevant and have been scrapped.”
Smith called on the Ministry of Education to help her and the Montserrat public to understand on whose authority the guidelines will be introduced.
“There needs to be and, I dare say, there will be a full review of such archaic policies, bearing in mind that everyone’s personal right of choice must be respected.”
She concluded by saying that she is not colluding to break rules but wants to assure parents and students that they will receive the relevant, legitimate support.
