Crowning glory or school violation?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As we celebrate Heritage Week across Jamaica under the theme “Celebrating a Proud and Bold Heritage,” it is fitting that we pause to reflect on what that truly means – especially when it comes to expressions of identity. One of the boldest and most progressive moves in recent years comes from Jamaica College, which has taken a refreshing stance on its hair grooming policy for young men.

The institution’s decision to relax its rules on hair length marks a notable shift from the traditional “two-inch standard” that has long governed male grooming in schools. This adjustment may seem small, but symbolically, it is monumental. Each year, as the new school term begins, headlines resurface of boys – mostly of African descent – being locked out or sent home for wearing natural hairstyles such as locs, twists, or afros. These outdated rules have often stood in stark contrast to the values of freedom, pride, and self-expression that the Jamaican culture champions.

Jamaica College’s approach demonstrates that discipline and self-expression can coexist. There is no evidence to suggest that longer or more natural hairstyles have hindered the academic performance, discipline, or respectability of its students. Instead, the policy seems to have removed an unnecessary barrier, allowing young men to focus on what truly matters – education, confidence, and self-worth.

As a nation built on resilience and cultural pride, we must question why colonial-era grooming policies – once designed to suppress African identity – still persist in our schools. Hair is not merely fashion; it is a symbol of heritage and identity. To truly celebrate a “Proud and Bold Heritage,” Jamaica must continue to shed these remnants of discrimination and embrace what makes us uniquely Jamaican.

Our children’s crowns should not be policed, they should be celebrated.

MIKHAIL A. GRAHAM