Fighting Against Unfair School Rules
Memories of our time in school often evoke mixed feelings, from the highs of accomplishment to the lows of frustration. But one thing we can all relate to is the presence of school rules. While some regulations are reasonable, like not wearing jewelry during sports, there are others that seem unnecessary and even detrimental to a child’s education.
The strictness surrounding a child’s appearance in some schools can be contradictory to their need for self-expression and uniqueness. For one mother and her 8-year-old son, these rules have gone too far and may jeopardize his education.
Farouk James, a child model from London, England, possesses a magnificent head of hair that has caught the attention of model scouts. Despite his success in the modeling industry, his appearance has caused countless problems at school, leading to rejections from multiple institutions due to the length of his hair.
Farouk’s mother, Bonnie Miller, revealed that his older brother also faced scrutiny at school for having hair that was considered too short. It is important to note that Farouk’s parents refrained from trimming his hair until he was three years old due to cultural reasons tied to his Ghanaian heritage. “At that point he was attached — and so was I, to be honest — with his beautiful hair,” Bonnie told CBS News. “We just kept the hair.”
In the United Kingdom, where the family resides, most schools enforce a policy that prohibits boys from having long hair while allowing girls to do so. Bonnie argues that this practice violates children’s human rights. Frustrated by the unfair treatment and determined to protect her son and others in similar situations, she boldly stated, “I will not give up trying to persuade governments to put legislation in place to protect children from these outdated, punishing rules,” in an Instagram post.
Bonnie’s persistence led her to start a Change.org petition demanding an end to hair discrimination in the U.K. Through the petition, she aims to gather support and form a collective movement named the Mane Generation, fighting for change not only domestically but also globally.
To showcase Farouk’s joyous and vibrant life, his mother manages an Instagram account that has amassed over a quarter of a million followers. Despite the overwhelming love and support they receive online, they also face unpleasant comments and criticism. Bonnie expressed her surprise at receiving negative comments during Mental Health Week, emphasizing that Farouk’s hair is a natural part of him that he should not have to alter to please others.
Bonnie strongly believes that school appearance policies for both girls and boys are outdated and, at times, discriminatory. Many schools prohibit hairstyles such as dreadlocks and braids, which are often cultural expressions of identity.
She will continue to fight alongside Farouk and other children who face discrimination based on their desire to embrace their cultural heritage and showcase their identities.
