School Hair Style Rules are “Shackles of Our Colonial Past”, says Minister of Education
Francis Fonseca
The Minister of Education says he supports the removal of school rules that prevent children from entering the classroom because of the length of their hair or hairstyle. Minister Francis Fonseca referred to the rules as a reflection of our colonial past, saying “these things are shackles of colonialism”. Here is what he told reporters on the matter.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
“The ministry put out a very clear strong message on the issue. Schools do have the right, let me say that very clearly, schools do have the right to set rules. We want our students to be disciplined of course. But, these rules cannot be unconstitutional, they cannot be arbitrary, they cannot be discriminatory in any manner. We have a fundamental object and responsibility at the Ministry of Education to ensure we protect the fundamental constitutional rights of our students, as well as our teachers. In this case, we are talking about our students. So, people have kind of put up this straw argument about it being about discipline. It is not about discipline. We are all in favor of discipline. Everybody wants our young people to be disciplined. We want productive, positive citizens, produced in our education system. Btu, the education system also has to follow the laws of the country and rules of the country 24:37 We were very clear and immediately the chief education officer got in contact with the management of Bishop Martin High School and informed them of the law, of the rules, of the ministry’s position, and the school was obliged to comply. Some of the young people, the parents agreed to cut their hair and that is fine. But, not everything has to be a public argument. If we can settle issues in a respectful manner, that is what we are going to do.”
Paul Lopez
“So, would you support this rule being struck out?”
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
“Yes man, I think these things are shackles of colonialism that is still a part. What does the length of your hair have to do with how you learn? As one young person posted on social media, it is not about what is on top of your head, it is what is inside of your head.”
