School tells child to cut her hair or leave
A young girl faces expulsion, and it’s all because of her hair. Vanessa VanDyke says she was given one week to decide if she was going to cut her hair and remain a student at Faith Christian Academy in Orlando.
But for now, she and her mother do not plan to change her hair because it is part of the 12-year-old’s identity. But her natural hair style comes with a cost. “It says that I’m unique,” said VanDyke. “First of all, it’s puffy and I like it that way. I know people will tease me about it because it’s not straight. I don’t fit in.” VanDyke said that first the teasing from other students, but now, school leaders seem to be singling her out for her appearance.
Faith Christian Academy’s dress code states that “Hair must be a natural color and must not be a distraction,” and goes on to state examples that include, but are not limited to, mohawks, shaved designs and rat tails.
VanDyke has been wearing the style all year long, but says it only became problematic after the family complained about students teasing her for her hair.
School administrations did not provide a statement about the issue to local media outlets when requested.
You would think administrators would tackle the bullying issue instead of this young lady’s hair.
Will the day ever come where natural hairstyles are accepted among the mainstream?
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