Trinidad: School suspends 2 girls over braided hairstyles, parents file complaint

Friday, 12th January 2024

Trinidad and Tobago: The officials of the St Charles High School in Tunapuna, Trinidad, have suspended two girls over their braided hairstyles. The girls Tricia Osbourne and Heather A-Dann are in a state of dismay following their suspension. The parents of both the girls have expressed their distress over the situation and said that they were highly upset and said their girls have been treated badly by the school authorities. They also took the matter to the Education Ministry, but the school has not yet called the girls back. As per the information, the matter was taken to the Minister of Education, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly. He said that the recently announced National Schools Hair Code, which enables braided hairstyles to be worn in public schools, was in place. As per the Hair Code and as it is related in this case, twists, locs, plaits, afros and cornrows are allowed for students. The code also states that female students must be allowed to wear hair extensions, including weaves and braids, which makes the suspension inapplicable and against the education ministry's rules. Tricia's mother said that the treatment was nothing short of victimisation. While narrating the incident her daughter went through, she said that last week she was brought in front of the assembly and asked to go back to her class due to her hairstyle. In the class, the teacher called her in front and explained to the class why she was brought in front of the assembly.

Her mother stated, "And she had to explain to the class about her hair, which was totally unnecessary."

Meanwhile, Heather's mother also expressed her concern that the girls were sent home during the first week of January. She added that they weren't given an official letter of suspension but were asked to go out. She has also asked that her daughter be called back into the classroom and said that her rights have been breached by the actions of the school. In addition to this, both mothers were also concerned about the effect of the indefinite suspension on their child's education. They have also tried to rectify the situation by even complaining to the Ministry of Education, but no one has come up with any word. As per the reports, the school authorities have also refused to comment on the situation.

Netizens reaction to this situation

A user named Stanley Ashton wrote in favour of black girls and said, "For too long throughout the world, black girls always have a problem with their style or look it's high to make a change that is my view on this." Another user lamented and said, "The child looks very neat. I cannot understand why it's an issue." A user named Arcmanov demanded that the school must give an official statement. "If the ministry's rules allow for this, then what's the problem? St Charles' administration needs to make an official comment/statement on this," she outlined.