The school, on the other hand, maintained its position that its hair policies are guided by its longstanding rules. Dissatisfied, the parent filed a claim in the High Court against the school. Hearing both sides of the argument, the learned judge Hon. Kimberly Cenac-Phulgence reminds the parents that they agreed to adhere to the rules of the school upon admitting their child to the College.

“I think it sends the wrong message to accept to be bound by rules, defy them and then say that the school must accept such defiance because it is in the minor’s right to wear his hair as he chooses. As stated in the very Code of Conduct: “It is the responsibility of parents who choose to send their sons to St. Mary's College to understand and accept the philosophy and traditions of the school and to abide by its regulations,” the High Court Judge said in her judgment.

Hon. Cenac-Phulgence adds there are ways in which parents can communicate their views to the school in hopes of finding a middle ground.

“Where a minor or parents have an issue with school rules, the options for resolution are many: find an alternative school whose rules accommodate the minor’s/parent’s opinions about how he/she should wear his/her hair; have an objective discussion with the Board or school Principal; encourage the minor to write his/her views and seek an audience with the Principal through avenues such as the Student’s Council,” Hon. Cenac-Phulgence stated.

While acknowledging the personal nature of self-expression, the judge says the rules of a school cannot be compromised for the individual expression of its students.