Not again! For the third time in less than 6 months, a school has banned hair the way it grows out of a student's head. First, it was Horizon Science Academy of Lorain, OH, then Deborah Brown Community School in Tulsa, OK. The latest school to threaten expulsion of a young African-American girl for wearing her hair in its natural state is Orlando Florida's Faith Christian Academy.
Her hair was first brought to the attention of school administrators because National Junior Honor Society member Vanessa was being teased by classmates. Rather than deal with the students doing the bullying, the school has given 12 year-old Vanessa an ultimatum - she must straighten or cut her hair, or be expelled. She was given one week to decide.
Once again, I understand rules, but some rules are still just stupid. The school dress code prohibits mohawks, shaved designs, rat tails and other 'distracting' hairstyles. I'm not certain how any person's hair the way it grows out of her head assuming that it is clean and well kempt can be a violation of a dress code. The school's recommended solution is also over the top. Why are straightening or cutting her hair the only acceptable solutions to the so-called problem?
Hair is often very important to young girls. Vanessa's mother is vowing to protect her daughter's right to wear hear hair as it grows without having to straighten or cut it even if that means she has to leave the school she has attended since the third grade. In that situation, I would likely do the same as this mother and find a new school that was accepting of my daughter just the way she is. There is no way I would allow my daughter to be taught that who she is isn't good enough and that she has to conform to someone else's standard of beauty just to get an education.
Photo: Me, straightening my hair. It's not easy!
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