Education Ministry Engages Stakeholders on School Hair Policy

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has opened dialogue with key stakeholders to address growing concerns over school hair policies and how they are enforced across the country.

Led by Minister of Education Oscar Requena, the meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Belmopan brought together CEO Dian Maheia, Deputy Chief Education Officers Cecilia Ramirez-Smith and Terri Wesby Langford, along with representatives from the UBAD Educational Foundation, the Belize National Teachers’ Union, the Human Rights Commission, and the Disabilities Desk.

Discussions focused on complaints from students, parents, and educators regarding inconsistencies and fairness in school rules surrounding hair and grooming. Participants agreed to collaborate on reviewing existing policies, developing clearer guidelines, and ensuring rules are applied in a respectful and non-discriminatory way.

The ministry said that while professional grooming and dress codes are important for instilling life skills and values, they must not infringe on students’ basic rights.