Dareece Polo
The Minister of Education has issued a proposal to stakeholders in the sector, recommending that students be allowed to wear cornrows.
This follows the controversial incident at Trinity College, Moka a week ago where 23 boys were not allowed to fully participate in their graduation because of their hairstyle.
The boys wore their hair in cornrows or afros while others had their hair slightly grown out.
Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said the incident was “unfortunate and regrettable” in a Facebook post after the incident went viral on June 27. She said rules ought to be followed, but she questioned whether the graduation ceremony was an appropriate forum to enforce the school’s guidelines.
Guardian Media understands that the respective bodies met virtually at 10 am.
The nine proposals are as follows:
1) Students shall maintain neat and clean hair at all times
2) Hair crossing shoulder length should always be tied back for safety reasons (boys and girls)
3) Locs, twists, plaits, and cornrows shall be allowed for all students
4) Female students shall be allowed to wear hair extensions including weaves and braids
5) Wigs and died or coloured hair for students are not allowed
6) Hairstyles that obstruct the normal view of other students are not allowed
7) Eyebrow markings and eyelash extensions are not allowed
8) Haircut parting designs should be modest. Intricate designs are not allowed.
9) Hair ornaments should be in compliance with individual school rules