A renewed controversy over hairstyle regulations at Fyzabad Secondary School in Trinidad has sparked national discourse about cultural discrimination in educational institutions. The school’s administration issued strict grooming guidelines that specifically target traditional Black hairstyles including afros, braids, cornrows, and pineapple buns, deeming them violations of discipline standards.
The policy mandates three-day suspensions for non-compliance, requiring both students and parents to contemplate the punishment at home. This approach has drawn sharp criticism from education advocates who argue such rules perpetuate post-colonial ideologies and racial bias against the natural hair textures of more than half the country’s population.
Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has intervened, emphasizing that while schools may establish grooming guidelines, they must never deny children their right to education. The ministry recently stated that all hair policies should be “reasonable, non-discriminatory, respectful of students’ dignity, and consistent with the best interest of the child,” while respecting “cultural identity and personal expression.
However, confusion persists within the education system. A July 2023 national school code prohibited hairstyles that obstruct views or feature intricate designs, while an October 2023 recommendation suggested schools establish hair policy committees for ministry review.
The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) and the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations have joined activists in condemning discriminatory regulations. Many reference American R&B singer India Arie’s 2006 anthem “I Am Not My Hair,” which highlighted the damaging psychological effects of hair-based cultural conflicts on Black youth.
Educators now face increasing pressure to ensure school policies promote inclusion rather than reinforce harmful stereotypes about natural Black hairstyles being associated with indiscipline or lack of professionalism.