VICTORY!!! Dreadlocked boys are back at SJPP!!!

A victory for common sense in a battle against discrimination.

Young men, go forward with pride and put all your efforts into your education. Never take your freedom and your right to education for granted.

Wisdom has prevailed.

Bajan Free Press

http://www.nationnews.com/story/299204737498117.php 

Boys back at SJPP
Published on: 2/29/08.

THE FOUR remaining students barred from attending classes at Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) because of their dreadlocks are now free to enter.

“We have given instructions for the students affected to be admitted to class without any hindrance with respect to their hairstyle,” principal Wendel Cozier said last night in an official statement.

“We are agreed that the times, styles and fashions are always changing and that as young adults, our students may want to express themselves as is their right to do. Our concerns are for neatness and safety when the students use machinery, and heat in their training,” the statement continued.

Cozier said the SJPP had discussions with Minister of Education Ronald Jones, the Permanent Secretary and Chief Education Officer, and was “guided by their counsel in the matter”.

The principal, who said that “in light of recent events” its Disciplinary Policy and Procedures Manual might have to be re-examined, stressed the SJPP “has had members of the Rastafarian religious groups as staff members and students and has enjoyed harmonious relations. The current issue is certainly not one of discrimination against Rastafarians”.

On February 19, SJPP deputy principal Merton Forde said five students had been banned from attending classes there because of their dreadlocks and would need to “show they belonged to the Rastafarian sector”. (PR/PA)