Students are not to be suspended, punished for hairstyles – MoE to headteachers

The Education Ministry has decided in its new hair policy that, in the future, students across the school system are not to be punished, sent home, or subjected to any form of penalisation for their hairstyles.
Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain on Thursday issued a notice to all headteachers, through the Regional Education Officers across all 10 administrative regions, informing them of this change.
The Ministry informed, “In keeping with the guidelines provided in the Ministry of Education’s Manual of Guidelines for the Maintenance of Order and Discipline in Schools, learners must not be sent home, or suspended, denied entry to school, or access to teaching and learning sent to the Department of Education, administered corporal punishment or any other forms of punishment, for haying a hairstyle that is perceived to be a breach of the school’s rule.”
Headteachers have been reminded that their main priority is to ensure that all learners are in school and are being taught with an aim of reducing learning loss. In any instance where a learner is deemed to have an inappropriate hairstyle, the school must invite the parent or guardian to discuss the perceived infraction.
This change came about after several concerns were raised after the Ministry had facilitated a relaxation of hair rules for International Women’s Day last year. Persons had highlighted that some of their rights were infringed due to stringent requirements. Education Minister Priya Manickchand had sought to address the issue with a national survey. Thousands of persons had responded, sharing their input on expectations and offering suggestions. More such conversations continued on the said topic.
At that time, the Minister had said that it was a dynamic issue, and a relaxation of some current rules would not affect the curriculum or retention of knowledge in students. She had added that school rules should not hurt learners.
Hair rules at each school varies, and while the contention was that some schools should formulate their own rules, another cross-section of persons had wanted the Ministry to regulate the requirements.
In December, a report of the new hair policy was taken to Cabinet for approval, after advice had been sought from a consultant on the changes that could be made. (Rupdai Seenaraine)