Principal’s stance correct

In response to “Bad hair day for Bethelsdorp pupils” (January 10), as a parent of children who once attended this once highly respected school, I cannot give enough praise to this principal, [Ralph Jacobus], for his brave stance to restore discipline, respect and enforcing the conduct, which I am sure has never changed.

For too long, schools in the northern areas had become breeding places for lawlessness and poor discipline because of powers given to pupils to disrespect teachers.

I am sure there are many past pupils who sometimes feel ashamed or embarrassed to associate themselves with the schools they come from.

For parents who allow their children to flout school rules, disrespect teachers and even defend them when reprimanded, I would like to remind them that if you do not respect the uniform you wear or neglect your own neatness and cleanliness, it can never be expected of you to have self-respect. Lindsay Lippert Port Elizabeth

I noticed with interest the sending home of more than 100 pupils from Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School because of the unacceptability of their hairstyles.

The pupils and their parents had been clearly informed of the school's dress code, but some of them never- theless flouted these rules.

I checked the TV news casts on Thursday evening, expecting to see a report concerning this matter, as has been the case in the past when school principals have complained about girls’ hairstyles, but there was nothing. However, had even a single girl been sent home from Collegiate for a similar situation, there would have been a furore.

Why is it that the Bethelsdorp school finds its action acceptable, but had the same situation happened at a former model C school, the action would no doubt have been regarded as racist?

Trevor Bradfield Walmer Heights, Port Elizabeth