Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs has once again called on schools to begin preparing their institution for the policy shift that is expected ahead of the still-to-be-enacted legislation that will ban hair discrimination in all learning institutions.
While a letter from her office was sent to all school boards on August 12, outlining the ministry’s intent, Gumbs repeated her message during her weekly livestream on Tuesday, one day before the official opening of school. The minister specifically cautioned schools not to wait for the law to be passed to make necessary policy changes.
“Pending legislation can be considered legislation,” she said. “You can definitely update your policies based on what is coming, especially if anyone were to read the room or read the country. I do not foresee Parliament kind of saying, no.”
The letter followed a June 25 meeting with school boards about issues including the admittance of four-year-olds into primary education and grooming policies, especially those that disproportionately affect students of African descent. The Ministry noted that such policies have long caused distress, exclusion, and inequity for students.
According to the minister, the legislation will guarantee the right of students to wear natural hairstyles such as afros, locks, twists, braids, cornrows, and other protective styles provided they are clean, well maintained, and do not obstruct learning or pose safety risks. Religious head coverings such as hijabs will also be protected.
Of course, that will still leave some room for interpretation of what “clean” and “well maintained” means. It is exactly these interpretations that differ per school board that have caused so much distress for particularly students of African descent.
Schools might also still have to adept their policies further depending on the final outcome of the legislative process. The draft law is expected to be presented to the school boards by the final quarter of 2025, before it is sent to Parliament. Some school boards might even opt to await the final outcome of that undoubtedly still lengthy process.
If so, we beg to differ with any school board that chooses that route. We wholeheartedly agree with the minister and all those calling for change. Students should be made to feel accepted.
