Students from Pretoria High School For Girls protest the policy suggesting students should not wear natural hairstyles or speak in their native languages. The school code of conduct has been lifted as of Sept. 1. giving students the rightful freedom of expression. The South African Students protests about the racism and discrimination they face in the classroom has the nation debating on cultural styles.
Who is to tell a teen girl that her hair in its natural state does not look presentable or according to the school code of conduct, "conservative" for school? Any hair style in its natural form should never be banned. The style of ones hair or language is not going to change or distract others from their academic performance. This could also be said in a work setting. Natural and native is the most beautiful form one could be in. Expressing your heritage allows people to feel comfortable and understood. To deny that right of expression is unjust.
I came from schools where the code of conduct was extensive and strict. In grade school and middle school, students were not allowed to have painted nails, wear make up or have hair longer than their earlobes. In high school, males must be clean shaven and girls should not have any unnatural hair colors like blue, purple or green. Students had to wear uniforms and were limited to types of shoes. In many work settings, there is a dress code that is mandatory to follow. It is understandable to have these policies to enforce unity and equality and maintain a certain reputation. We will have to follow these policies for years to come. But what the girls from Pretoria High School For Girls were protesting goes beyond the generic policies enforced by schools.
These students were not allowed to wear bantu knots, large locs, box braids and afros; popular styles for African girls. Students were being told that their natural hair is not allowed and their native South African languages should not be spoken at school. All ethnic and cultural styles should be accepted in schools. Instead of hiding or changing hair styles and language, we should embrace them and learn from them. The protests and the lifting of hair and language policies would allow students to feel accepted for who they are and encourage others to do the same.
