Principals, parents, and government officials weigh in on student hair policy

A Ministry of Education memo dated August 29 has reignited national debate over hair policies in schools. 

The circular instructed school administrators to “ensure that no student is sent home or denied access to classes” based on hairstyle and emphasised that “students must not be required to cover their hair as a condition for entry or continued participation in school activities.”

In the memo, the ministry described a comprehensive Student Deportment Policy, which was expected to be issued soon, aimed at establishing consistent standards across all schools. Stakeholders believe this may bring further clarity to the contentious issue.

At this week’s press briefing, Minister of Education Shawn Edwards highlighted the role schools play in shaping young people’s behaviour. 

“There are certain behaviours, be it in terms of expression, in terms of dress and how you carry yourself, that are acceptable socially, and there are also behaviours that will portray you in a particular light.”

He added that policies on deportment are intended to instil responsibility, explaining, “The intention is not to show anybody up, but to get our children to understand that as you develop, as you grow, there’s certain responsibilities that you have to yourself.”

The minister further clarified that the policy document was developed after “extensive consultation with teachers, with principals and other stakeholders”, and was sent to Cabinet for endorsement on September 8. 

While acknowledging that not all public opinions may align, Edwards expressed confidence in the document, noting that it “adequately captures the sentiments of educators, parents and a lot of stakeholders.”

Neal Fontenelle, principal of St. Mary’s College and president of the Principals Association, said for administrators, it is now about “managing the situation” rather than debating the principles behind the policy. 

He noted that the Minister had released a “draft hair policy” last year and consultations remain ongoing. 

“What we had was a letter from the chief education officer really instructing that the student not be disenfranchised in any way for the way that they are wearing their hair,” Fontenelle explained.

Another principal, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the matter as a “dilemma.” While acknowledging that some view certain rules as outdated, the principal stressed that long-standing regulations help in shaping discipline and identity. 

“Schools like St. Mary’s are well established and well sought after… I would like to believe that their rules and regulations, which were established over many years ago, contributed to that legacy.” 

Still, they admitted “the Ministry sets policies, and schools are under their jurisdiction; therefore, schools do not have a choice but to adhere.”

Parents are also weighing in on the debate. 

One parent, Ursline Theodore, a mother of five, noted the practical benefits of allowing students to style their hair freely. 

“Parents would be able to have more time on their hands because it does take a lot of time as a good mom to comb your daughter’s hair.”

She added that professional braiding could help maintain tidy hairstyles for longer periods.

While supporting freedom of style, the parent expressed concern about potential negative effects. 

“Some children are being bullied and I could understand why there is a uniform where they would want them to wear their own natural hair,” but emphasised the importance of teaching children the value of accepting “their own natural beauty through their hair.”

Regarding boys’ hair, she was generally supportive, saying, “I don’t see a problem with them… growing their hair,” provided it is kept neat and tidy. 

However, concerns were raised about extreme hairstyles, adding, “Some children, they like to put all sorts of colours and styles, and that is unacceptable in my opinion

“I would not accept extensions that are at a length of maybe 12 or 14 inches…”

The parent added that rules and regulations should guide both braids and boys’ hair growth.

Emphasising the need for structure alongside personal expression, she added, “There should be stipulated rules… as to how children should be able to wear their hair.”