On June 24th, 2013, an Ohio School, Horizon Science Academy, released its updated dress code to parents which stated, Afro-puffs and small twisted braids, with our without rubberbands, are NOT permitted.
Any child of African descent, who does not have a relaxer or straightened hair will have an Afro-puff if their hair is placed in ponytail holder. Many African American parents opt for braided hairstyles or small twisted hairstyles to secure their child's hair. Banning hairstyles which are specific to a particular race is discriminatory. The fact that the school used the language "Afro-puffs" in its dress code singles out individuals of African descent because Afro-puffs technically can only be achieved by this group of people. If the school had stated that unsecured ponytails were not permitted this would have include any person regardless of race.
Whether natural hair is appropriate in the work environment has been a hot topic in the natural hair community for quite some time. Many women prefer wearing their hair straightened on interviews as not to make their possible former employer uncomfortable or ruin their chances of landing the job. Now schools are questioning whether natural hair is appropriate in order for children our to learn? I am a firm believer that it is more important what is in our heads than on it.
Read the letter below. The school issued a statement that the dress code will be amended because many parents were outraged.
What are your thoughts?
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