A contentious policy that threatened to bar several fifth-form students from their graduation ceremony at Antigua Girls’ High School has been officially revoked after the Ministry of Education intervened in the dispute. The controversy originated when Principal Rosalind Beazer issued a directive prohibiting hair extensions, braids, weaves, and artificial hair coloring, warning that violations would result in exclusion from the graduation proceedings. The situation escalated when multiple students were sent home during a yearbook photo session for non-compliant hairstyles, sparking widespread public debate across the community.
The proposed punishment drew significant criticism from residents who characterized the measure as excessively harsh for a minor infraction. Director of Education Clare Browne addressed the matter on national television, stating that denying students their graduation rights over hairstyle violations would constitute a disproportionate response. This perspective prompted the Ministry to facilitate a resolution meeting involving school administrators, parents, and the affected students.
During the convened meeting, school officials formally withdrew the graduation ban, though they required the students to compose letters of apology to be presented before school administrators and their peer group. The gathering also addressed separate allegations concerning a senior educator who allegedly conducted physical inspections by running hands through students’ hair to check for extensions. While a deputy principal refuted these claims, two students reportedly identified the educator in question. Additional concerns emerged as one parent claimed a student was stripped of her prefect badge and another removed from the graduation planning committee in relation to the incident.
Parents have expressed considerable relief that their daughters will now participate in the graduation ceremonies without further restrictions. The fifth-form students are scheduled to begin study leave on April 16 in preparation for the forthcoming Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations in May and June.