Dreadlock £140 hairstyle leads to enforced ‘holiday’ for pupil
Father of suspended girl hits out for what he calls ‘double standards’ as friend as similar look
A father has spoken out at a school’s “double standards” after his daughter was sent home for having dreadlocks put into her hair. Chenise Benson was sent home from George Pindar School on Friday after her parents splashed out on the £140 hairdo for her in time for her sister’s birthday party.
However, staff at the school said the 13-year-old’s new style was in breach of its uniform policy and she was sent home.
Her father Darren said the hairdo will stay and said another girl at the school has the same style.
He said: “It cost £140 and will stay in her hair for a year so it won’t be coming out.
“One of her friends at the school, who has Jamaican heritage, has the same style of hair cut but with a red stripe in it rather than white and she has been allowed to remain.
“I’ve read the policy regarding haircuts and I can’t see what rule she has broken.”
Mr Benson says he has contacted North Yorkshire County Council, which told him he had to raise his objection directly with his daughter’s school.
The Scarborough News contacted George Pindar School for a comment, but they had not responded by the time of going to print.
However, a policy document on the school’s website states: “Please note we do not allow extreme, unnatural hairstyles or colouring. Any hair accessories should be of a practical nature and should not be decorative.
“If you are in doubt please contact your child’s tutor at the school. Hair should be no shorter than a Grade 3 cut.
“Please be aware that what is and is not acceptable will be decided by the school in line with this policy and the school’s decision is final.
“Please note that in sending your child to George Pindar School that you are agreeing to ensure your child abides by this policy.
“If you have any queries or questions regarding any aspect of uniform, jewellery, hairstyle, please could you contact the school.”
• What do you think about this story? Email newsdesk@ jpress.co.uk The school’s uniform policy states: “We wish our students to have a genuine pride in the school. Wearing of school uniform demonstrates the sense of pride, community and good behaviour we try hard to instil. School uniform for all students ensures the provision of socially acceptable, co-ordinated, practical and inexpensive garments that are appropriate for work at school.
“We apply our uniform rules very strictly and it is in the interests of everyone at and associated with the school that we work hard to enforce this policy. We ask all parents to support us in this particular aspect of our work. If there are circumstances temporarily preventing this, it is very important that you let us know, in writing, what the difficulties are and how long it will be before correct uniform can be worn. Students who refuse to comply will be sent home.”