School comes to the table
Retracts disciplinary letter issued to parents of pupils who protested over its hair policy
THE School Governing Body (SGB) of Malibu High School in Blue Downs has retracted a disciplinary letter issued by its principal to some of the parents of pupils who did not “adhere” to the code of conduct regarding their hairstyle.
SGB chairperson Nadeen le Roe said they were in the process of addressing the matter, “with the assistance of the Western Cape Education Department and any policy changes will be made together with parents and learners prior to it being finalised”.
On Friday, schooling came to a halt after pupils felt “insulted” after being told they “look like apes” and “trees”.
The group of over 50 learners sang outside the school gate saying the school should respect their culture. A disciplinary letter was then sent to the parents requesting their availability on today’s disciplinary meeting (was later provisionally withdrawn) to resolve the matter of their “daughters” who did not adhere to the code of conduct.
The letter stated that “after affording an opportunity to rectify their hairstyles in the bathroom, they refused and also became disrespectful towards the principal”. However, Le Roe said they apologised for the inconvenience caused. Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said district officials were at the school on Monday to engage with the principal, staff and learners.
“The department is currently investigating the allegations made against staff members at Malibu High School.
“The department has approached all nine girls that were involved in the protest for a statement on the alleged comments made and details on what led to the protest.”
She said they have since learnt that the hair policy was relaxed for Grade 12s once they started their examinations, “this led to other grades also demanding similar treatment”.
“The issue of afro hairstyles has not been an issue, and it has been referred specifically to the SGB for review.
“We trust that the hair policy will be addressed separately with the SGB, which includes RCL representatives.”
The SA Human Rights Commission entered the fray with provincial commissioner Chris Nissen visiting the school principal. According to Nissen, the school had granted the commission an opportunity to “mediate and find an amicable solution to the problem”.