The Ministry of Education issued a memorandum to schools on Thursday stating that learners should not be sent home for what is considered a hair style violation.
This memo was prepared after a consultant provided a report consisting of changes that needed to be implemented after considering several conditions related to hair and school.
The memo states: The Ministry of Education imposed corporal punishment or other forms of punishment for having hairstyles that were deemed to violate school rules.
Additionally, principals are reminded that their top priority is to ensure that all learners are attending school and are being taught with the aim of reducing further learning losses.
It warns that if a learner is deemed to have an inappropriate hairstyle, the school should invite the learner’s parent or guardian to discuss how the violation was deemed.
Earlier, Education Minister Priya Manikchand said there would be changes to the rules and regulations covering acceptable hairstyles in classrooms. Several consultations were held with
The debate over outdated hairstyles in the school system began in March 2022 after the Ministry of Education issued a memo announcing a one-day relaxation of existing hairstyle rules in schools for teachers and students.
It was to celebrate International Women’s Day. The ministers quickly launched talks as people calling for the rule’s abolition percolated into a national debate on social media.
