Why Hair Policies Need to Be Inclusive
By Gabriel Hernandez
School rules about dress codes and grooming are a big deal for students, especially regarding hair. Many arguments concern the issue of allowing students to grow out their hair, no matter their background, race or culture.
The answer is quite simple: yes. Giving students the freedom to choose how they wear their hair is not just about style, it should be a matter of respect for who they are, where they are coming from and how they choose to express themselves.
Hair Is Personal
Hair is not just hair to many individuals. It may mean something really important. For instance, African American students wear natural hairstyles such as afros, braids or locs because it connects them to their culture and identity. Native American students may grow their hair long because it is a part of their tradition or belief. When schools make everyone abide by strict rules about hair, that feels for some like they are saying some people's choices or even their identities are not okay.
That's what schools get right when they allow kids to grow out their hair: they see you and then you matter. Schools have to be a place where everybody is welcomed and celebrated just because of who they are, not because they have to look or act like in some particular way that makes others feel better.
Understanding Diverse Cultures
A lot of strict hair policies completely disregard how much hair can mean to people in various cultures. To some Native American students, their long hair is something sacred, and to cut it may feel like a loss of one's identity. Most specifically, Sikh boys keep their hair long because it is part of their faith. It is not only unfair if schools fail to consider those things but also disrespectful.
Allowing everyone to grow their hair teaches all students to understand other people's cultures and beliefs. When such students continue to see their colleagues expressing themselves through their hair, it may help in bringing understanding and acceptance among the peers.
Why This Change Matters
Some may think that by allowing students to grow their hair, the schools will be undisciplined or disorganized, but this is not true. Schools can still have high standards without making students all look the same. Giving students more freedom shows that schools trust them to make good decisions. After all, this is not about hair; it's about constructing a school atmosphere where every student feels accepted. When they can be themselves, they're confident, happy and ready to learn.
Comments