In a thought-provoking critique of school grooming policies, the author challenges Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire’s defense of the status quo, arguing that current standards are rooted in Eurocentric norms that suppress black cultural identity. The Archbishop’s assertion that the Ministry of Education’s intervention undermines school authority is met with skepticism, as the author highlights the discriminatory nature of ad hoc policies that disproportionately affect black students. These policies, which enforce Eurocentric ideals of neatness and tidiness, often require black students to conform to arbitrary hair length standards while exempting non-curly-haired students from similar restrictions. This double standard perpetuates a somatic norm image that alienates black students from their cultural heritage. The author questions the Archbishop’s assumption that permitting natural hairstyles would lead to ill-discipline, pointing out that there is no empirical evidence to support this claim. Instead, the author argues that embracing black hair in schools would foster self-expression, cultural pride, and critical thinking among students. The critique also addresses the Archbishop’s fear that allowing diverse hairstyles would foster individualism at the expense of community identity. The author counters that true community identity must include the unique cultural expressions of its members, particularly those of black students. The article concludes with a call for the Archbishop and other stakeholders to re-examine their implicit assumptions and embrace policies that reflect the cultural realities of a predominantly black population. By doing so, schools can become spaces where students are empowered to value their natural beauty and cultural heritage, rather than conforming to outdated colonial standards.
