Read this article about dreads being banned in public schools. http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/29153/hair-wars-public-schools-take-aim-at-dreadlocks-long-hair-individuality/
the public schools are where our children learn to be who they are, the schools have no right to enforce the narrow views of the administration on the children. only the parents have a right to influence the personal development of the childs personalities.
the no dreadlocks in school rules are a direct civil rights violation, that are specifically targeting those who believe certain religious beliefs, hold certain cultural beliefs as well as disrespecting certain racial influences.
i propose an open letter to the school boards in question that can also be adapted to anyone in any school facing dreadlocks discrimination.
------begin editable letter to school administrations----
dear administrators and interested parties,
I am writing you today because i recently became aware of discriminatory practices by your school administrations that are both illegal and a violation of civil rights. I am talking about the ban on dreadlocks or any policies or rules concerning dreadlocks, theyre care, presentability, or any requirements to keep them neat and tidy. Dreadlocks are a cultural expression, not only of jamaican culture, but every culture on earth amazonian to welsh and every single one between. dreadlocks show a pride in heritage, and as such have very deep personal meanning far greatter then any other hairstyle, and for that reason, many who wear dreadlocks would never cut when requested to. to do so (reguest to cut) is a direct violation of the rights of the child.
furthermore dreads are a religious and spiritual expression as well, not only for rastafariands but almost every religion, the christians and jews have the nazarite vow, while muslims hindus buddhists all have theyre own dreadlocks beliefs, those who wear the locks are considered the holiest of men. to deny the wearing of dreadlocks is a religious discrimination. would you dare ban circumcision?
furthermore dreads are lifechanging, they give you confidence they alow you to grow strong in the face of criticism.
dreadlocks teach you that your personal happiness is more importajnt then bowing to the expectations of others.
furthermore dreadlocks are clean and healthy, both physicaly and mentaly. anorexia is caused by always feeling they have to be perfect to satisfy everyone and because they feel they have no control of theyre life . dreadlocks help you accept imperfections and not having to please everyone they are healthy in other ways as well, self confidence, self image, and above all the respect of self rise with dreading.
and finaly, dreadlocks fill a need in todays society to feel more natural, our food is full of chemicals, the water we drink, even the light we see by are artificial dreadlocks alow the wearrer to feel like a natural human the way humans are meant to be.
for this reason alowing the natural dread=ing process with the messy early stages is the healthiest most resperctful thing that you can do.
a student who feels accepted and respected will succeedd, if you make them dfeel an outcast or a freak you will doom them to underacheivment.
respect your students. they are not your kids to command
you are only teachers you have no rights to control how they dress wear theyre hair only how they learn and behave towards their peers.
i know you will reconsider and do the right thing
respect
me
---end editable letter---
fix the typos anyone or rewrite?
updated by @mia-elizabeth: 02/14/15 03:18:54AM
