Peaceful Protests for Reform of Locs in School Policy

The recent Supreme Court ruling that a child must adhere to a no locs in school policy is not sitting well with many Jamaicans. On Tuesday, there were protests in solidarity with members of the Rastafarian community in Kingston and St James calling for reforms to the education system due to the judgment passed. The discrimination based on one’s hairstyle and religion – is at the centre of their frustration. One primary school student who is of Rastafarian faith shared his experience with CVM LIVE.

“When I was around six-seven years old applying for a new school they said that I can’t go here because of my hair. I was confused but we just changed the school,” said young Kahlil. “We switched somewhere else and they didn’t directly say it to me but students were still going out of their way to disrespect me.”

His mother who is an educator says the experience faced by her child was troubling.

“We were told by another school that we got him into that no-he went through a lot of things and my husband had to go through and go in and talk to the Principal and say ‘this nuh right.’ ” said Seckhet Foster. “We even made him like three tams to wear to school because they say that was how he could come into the school and it was hot and sticky- and children and administration say to him that his locs dem dirty.” 

The Jamaicans gathered here – many who are apart of the Rastafarian community do not want a repeat of this experience in Jamaica’s education system. The recent Supreme Court ruling has prompted their action leading to much debate and discussion on the basis of acceptable hairstyles within the school environment – and discrimination against those wearing locs .

In an interview with CVM LIVE, Civil Rights Advocate Carol Narcisse shared that, “We are calling on the ministry to do its duty and live up to its responsibility to the children of Jamaica to amend its policy on grooming immediately so that schools have a clear directive and that no school can take upon itself to write its own rule that excludes a group of children.”

Within hours of their peaceful protest, there was a police and military presence in the area and soon after, officers told one of the convenors that officials from the Education Ministry wanted to speak. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information, Dr. Grace Mclean addressed those present.

“I have spoken and we will do everything that we can to make sure that there are no issues involving our students going to school in September and I want to thank you for expressing your views clearly. We understand what is going on and we appreciate the comments that you have made and we will do the best that we can to ensure all persons are satisfied.”