Dear Editor,

The following is an open letter to Minister of Education Fayval Williams.

While I understand the importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, and the desire to lessen the many confrontations we have seen between parents/students and administrators over grooming/hairstyles in recent times, I believe that your directive not to bar students from classes due to grooming and hairstyle inadvertently undermines the efforts to maintain discipline and a conducive learning environment in schools. It promotes further decline in school discipline and negatively impacts students’ learning.

Firstly, the argument that turning students away due to grooming/ inappropriate hairstyles infringes on their rights to an education is without merit, because, with every right, one must have responsibility. Hence, there must be a balance between personal expression, and respect for a focused learning environment. Furthermore, it is imperative for their overall development and preparation for the future.

Secondly, there is an unequivocal correlation between grooming and behaviour. As an educator, I have seen first-hand that students who violate grooming standards often exhibit other behavioural problems, such as truancy, gang activities, disrespect, and ultimately underperformance. For example, there are certain hairstyles and even footwear in violation of school rules that serve as symbols of gang affiliation.

Thirdly, uniforms are an integral part of our school system. They serve as sources of identity, safety, discipline, and uniformity. By weakening these standards through lapses in proper grooming etiquette, we risk undermining a major foundation of our educational institutions.

Madam, I urge you to reconsider how you communicate your stance on grooming and hairstyle policies. While it is important to be sensitive to cultural differences and individual needs, we must also prioritise the overall well-being of our students and the maintenance of a positive learning environment.

Conclusively, over the past two years, there have been many policy changes/recommendations regarding grooming stemming from countless consultations; hence, it is time for you to openly call on parents and the wider society to support those policies. By doing this, you would be empowering school administrators and educators to continue the business of educating.

What is happening now is bordering heavily on encouraging “weaponised indiscipline”. It is time to change the narrative and acknowledge the problem as a wider societal issue instead of solely one of school policy.

Patricia Clarke

Educator

patriciaclarke230@yahoo.com