The changing rules on campus and why a more lenient hair policy is a step forward.
By Carlos Soto-Angulo
After years of strict hair-length rules, a quiet change in campus policy is now allowing students to grow their hair as long as it’s kept “neat and combed.”
Long hair, for many, was deemed “unruly” and “unprofessional–” a distraction that somehow threatened the values of order and discipline. But recently, in a quiet yet significant shift, the infamous hair policy has become more lenient, allowing students to grow their hair as long as it is “neat.” Although it’s a change that may seem trivial on the surface, it reflects a broader, more positive shift toward recognizing and respecting students’ individuality.
Hair might seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of school policies, but to many students like myself, it’s an important way of expressing themselves. For some, growing their hair out is more than a style choice, it’s a connection to cultural identity, personal style or self-expression. Restrictive hair policies, especially those that forbid certain lengths or styles, have long been seen by students as unfair and arbitrary, enforcing a narrow definition of what “professionalism” should look like. Relaxing these rules is a step in the right direction, allowing students the freedom to present themselves authentically, which can build a positive inclusive campus culture.
The benefits of this policy change extend beyond appearance even; they touch on respect, autonomy, and trust. When schools–much like our beloved Columbus of the past–limit personal expression, they often send an unintended message: students need to conform to be respected or valued. The new hair policy, however, tells students that the administration believes in their capacity to make choices about their appearance, so long as those choices are made responsibly. By focusing on neatness rather than length, the policy strikes an important balance.
Students get the freedom they so intently crave, and the school maintains an environment of professionalism, as Mr. Alex Trujillo, the Dean of Students, explained,
“I guarantee you, all of us have a different view on what professionalism looks like,” Trujillo says. “It’s tough keeping what the handbook says, and that’s why we’re always changing (the policies).”
Critics–which I doubt there are–may argue that a more relaxed policy could lead to students “pushing boundaries” or detracting from an environment that values discipline. But this leniency doesn’t mean the school has abandoned its standards, in fact, the Christopher Columbus High School Student Handbook 2024-2025 still reads that “all hairstyles are subject to administrative approval.” This change simply allows students to meet school standards in a way that works for them. For students who may already be juggling academic pressures and difficult social dynamics, having one less rule to worry about can make a massive difference.
In the bigger picture, this policy change speaks to a broader trend in educational institutions toward fostering environments that value inclusivity and personal choice. Students are no longer being trained to fit into narrow molds; they’re being encouraged to grow and develop in ways that are true to who they are. The leniency of this new policy might be “just hair,” but to many, it represents a deep understanding that education is not about conformity–it’s about (hair)growth.
By loosening its grip on appearance standards, our school has created room for students to be themselves while maintaining a respectful, “orderly” space. I hope that this change inspires other schools across Miami-Dade to rethink outdated policies and make room for small but meaningful changes. Because sometimes, a little freedom goes a long way in helping students feel valued, seen, and respected.
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