Let’s look at the wider picture here.
The issue is not whether or not the haircut is smart in people’s opinions.
The issue is if the haircut contravenes school uniform policy – and it does.
All schools with a laid-down and advised uniform policy enforce it to varying degrees – it appears that this school’s enforcement is rigid, which is their right, provided that parents are made aware – which in this case it appears that they were.
So if the parents have their child’s hair cut in an acknowledged ‘fashion’ style – irrespective of how ‘smart’ people think it is – then it contravenes the uniform policy, and the school have invoked their penalty, which I would suggest was also advised.
An opportunity was given to change the haircut, which was not taken – that is the parents’ responsibility.
Cases like this crop up every few months, and the media jump on them because it paints schools as unreasonable draconian places with no sympathy, and a willingness to prevent children from receiving an education.
The wider picture may be a concern that ‘gang’ haircuts are leading to ‘gang’ behaviour – which is not explored in the media coverage, but may be a concern for the school. Just a thought.
Uniform is what it is – they clue is in the name – everyone looks the same, so no-one is singled out for being unable to afford fashion appearances, and the school presents a unified style of appearance, which aids a sense of community.
So I am not so quick to condemn the school for its position – but rather the media, who trot out these ‘stories’ which assist no-one involved, and simply get the wider public het up by a biased slant on a situation which may have other elements which the school is unwilling, or unable to discuss – which is appropriate.
Maybe more will be revealed, but more likely, it will be a one-day wonder until the next time.