Students in Trinidad will be permitted to wear their hair in locs, twists, plaits, afros, and cornrows in compliance with new school rules beginning in September 2023.
The changes will also allow girls to wear hair extensions, including weaves and braids in the new academic year.
The relaxation of school hairstyle standards followed stakeholder conversations on the issue, which arose when a group of students graduating from Trinity College Moka was denied the opportunity to cross the stage with their fellow graduates owing, in part, to their hairstyles.
On Thursday, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Denominational School Boards participated in discussions organized by the Ministry of Education.
Other education stakeholders included the National Principals’ Associations, the National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA), and Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA).
The Ministry indicated that as a result of this interaction and research that was conducted, it was concluded that the National School Code of Conduct should be updated to include a National Hair Code for Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago’s national hair code is as follows:
- Students shall maintain neat and clean hair at all times.
- Hair that crosses shoulder length should be tied back at all times for safety reasons.
- Locs, twists, plaits, afros, cornrows, shall be allowed for all students, in compliance with individual School Hair Rules.
- Female students shall be allowed to wear hair extensions, including weaves and braids, in compliance with individual School Hair Rules.
- Wigs and dyed or colored hair for students are not allowed.
The Ministry noted that in this instance, approval may be granted to students to wear these in exceptional cases, as determined by the School Principal.
- Hairstyles that obstruct the normal view of others are not allowed, except for religious reasons.
- Eyebrow markings and eyelash extensions are not allowed.
- Haircut parting designs should be simple. Intricate designs are not allowed.
- Hair ornaments should be in compliance with individual School Hair Rules.
Each school is required to organize a committee by October to set school hair standards. Individual school hair policies must align with the National School Hair Code.
Before they may be implemented, a copy of the regulations must be presented to the line School Supervisor.
The Ministry further stated that no student should be penalized for their hairstyle between September and October before the individual School Hair Rules take effect if their hairstyle adheres to the requirements outlined in the national code.
