Cape Town - A Hoërskool De Aar pupil, who does freelance modelling, has been allowed to return to his classes after being suspended earlier this week for his hairstyle.
The Grade 8 pupil was suspended for allegedly contravening the school’s code of conduct, without appearing before the school governing body (SGB) for a disciplinary hearing.
The boy’s father, Danny Brown, said his son had been sent home on Monday after a SGB decision was taken last week to suspend the 14-year-old, who also serves on the student representative council.
Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said an appeal was submitted to the department and the boy resumed classes on Thursday.
“The Northern Cape Department of Education is aware of an unfortunate situation at the De Aar High school, where a Grade 8 learner was suspended for allegedly being in contravention of the school’s code of conduct for his hairstyle. An appeal was submitted to the MEC, Mr Zolile Monakali, who directed the school to immediately allow the learner back to school, while the formal appeal will be finalised within seven working days,” he said.
Brown said his son has been victimised by the school, who had been informed of the conditions of the boy’s modelling work.
“My son has been doing freelance modelling since the age of four, and this has required of him to not cut his hair. We are cognisant of the school’s code of conduct and have always made sure my son’s hair was combed neatly and tied in a bun when he goes to school.
“The school had told him to cut his hair, but when we objected we were asked to submit his contract, and were told to submit pictures of the work he has done. I have requested this from the agency, but in the meantime, the school had already decided to suspend him and he is not allowed to return to school before his hair is cut,” said Brown.
The matter had been reported to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) Northern Cape division earlier this year, said Brown.
The SAHRC did not respond to enquiries by deadline.
“I reported the matter to the SAHRC on July 19, but on August 15, during a meeting with the school, the principal said they would not compromise and their decision was final that my son’s hair must be cut,” Brown said.
“On Monday at 8am I was sent a message to fetch my child as he was not allowed in class until his hair was cut. This decision, made by the SGB, was done without a disciplinary procedure. When I said I would like to appeal the decision, I was told the decision was final and that the SGB does not have an appeal process.
“The decision was made without my son or myself being present. If they are following protocol, then I should be able to appeal. The school is also not uniform in their approach with regard to their code of conduct, but the other matters are not my concern at the moment. My priority is my son, who performs excellently in his academics and also plays rugby. It’s not fair at all,” said Brown.
Cape Times