School's Decision To Ban Pupil Because Of Hairstyle Challenged In High Court

School's Decision To Ban Pupil Because Of Hairstyle Challenged In High Court

PA

A Harrow school's decision to ban a pupil because of his hairstyle is being challenged in the High Court.

The boy, referred to only as G for legal reasons, was turned away from St Gregory's Catholic Science College in Kenton, North London, on his first day in September 2009 because he wore his hair in cornrows.

Under St Gregory's strict dress code and hair policy, his chosen cornrow hairstyle is banned.

The 13-year-old's lawyer told the High Court that G, who is of African-Carribean origin, wore his hair in cornrows as part of a family tradition.

G and his mother asked Mr Justice Collins to declare that the school's 'no to corn rows' stance is unlawful.

In court, St Gregory's was described as 'a highly successful, oversubscribed' Catholic school, where black African and black Carribean pupils excel.

G's mother said in a statement the braids were 'of great importance to his cultural and racial identity', and that being refused entry on his first day was a 'major blow to his self-esteem'.

The school argued that if G was made an exception to the rule then 'grave difficulties' would follow, as there would be pressure to allow other exceptions which would go against their uniform and hair policy.

The case is continuing.

What do you think? Should children and parents abide by uniform rules, or is he right to challenge them? Remember how most of our comments applauded this boy and his school uniform protest earlier this week.

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