ACC Denies Claims of Discrimination Over Hairstyle Policy

Anglican Cathedral College (ACC) has denied claims that a student was penalised for wearing hair extensions, following reports that a letter was sent to the child’s parents citing a breach of the school’s Attire and Personal Appearance Policy.

In its response, ACC rejected suggestions that any student “was sent home or barred from returning to school due to their hairstyle or the use of hair extensions.”

The school insisted that “at no point was any student denied access to classes or instructed not to attend school.” It added that its policies on attire and appearance are “rooted in the school’s recognition of everyone’s God-given potential and a deep appreciation of our natural gifts.”

The controversy reignited debate over grooming policies in schools once more, which prompted the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) to declare its support for the UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF).

The union said, “The BNTU stands in solidarity with UBAD Educational Foundation against discriminatory hair policies in schools. We are deeply concerned by reports of students being reprimanded, suspended, or otherwise penalised for wearing hairstyles that reflect their heritage or religious beliefs.”

BNTU urged institutions to revise policies to eliminate “racial, cultural, and gender bias” and called on the Ministry of Education to protect students’ rights to cultural identity and self-expression.