According to the mother, she was not notified that her son was sent home. She contends that this form of disciplinary action can lead to harm befalling her son, and other students who are dismissed in like manner.

“Sending my son to school, my son was sent home by the principal because of his haircut. Furthermore, I was not notified that my son was leaving the school premises. [I] was at work, and knowing that I sent my son to school, I find the principal was supposed to notify me,” the parent, who spoke anonymously, said.

She says she believes her son’s haircut was appropriate for the classroom. Currently, the Ministry of Education is having stakeholder consultations regarding the hair policy at schools.

“From my understanding, his haircut was a decent [one]; he has no mark and the haircut was a straight-up decent haircut for a young man at his age,” she said.

However, the principal argued that pursuant to the school’s rule book, boys’ hair is supposed to be cut flat.

“I met the principal and I tried explaining myself to him. The principal’s rule book said that haircuts for boys is supposed to be a flat haircut. I don’t believe your haircut has anything to do with you gaining an education at school.”

The “Draft Hair Policy for Students” was circulated in September 2023, and includes provisions for inclusivity, hair maintenance, cultural and religious considerations, and regular review.