Stakeholders in Linden, Region Ten were on Friday engaged by the Ministry of Education as it continues consultations to reform the rules governing hair in schools.
The Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand met with parents and teachers yesterday afternoon at Lichas Hall, Linden to listen to their views on the matter.
She highlighted that the Ministry of Education has no rules regarding hair, it is the individual schools that set and enforce the rules. However, it was noted that these rules disproportionately affect learners, especially at a time when the focus should be placed on ensuring students are in the classroom receiving an education.
Minister Manickchand explained that it is important to hear of the views of the public before a decision is made. The consultation aims to ensure that a comprehensive decision is taken to benefit all students.
Many of the parents and teachers present this afternoon found most school rules to be restrictive with some of them noting that it stymies individual and cultural expression.
Last Saturday, rules governing hairstyles from several schools across the country, were examined during a similar discussion and it was highlighted that many of them are impractical and limit individuality and self-expression.
Earlier this month, the decision was made to allow female students and teachers to wear their hair how they choose to for one day in observance of International Women’s Day 2022.
This announcement sparked a widespread debate on social media and triggered a national conversation. The Ministry of Education has so far held several consultation forums with more scheduled to take place.