Update: A ban on natural hair or a case of educators failing to educate themselves
Update: We may have a change of heart! The school concerned in this report is set to change its policy!
Langston University, Deborah Brown’s sponsor released a statement:
“Langston University became aware Friday of a matter in which a student was allegedly dismissed from the Deborah Brown Community School, a charter school in Tulsa, Oklahoma sponsored by the University. The alleged dismissal stemmed from a violation of a school policy related to dress code and appearance. Langston University was not involved with creating the policy. After a discussion between Langston University President Kent Smith and the superintendent of the school, Ms. Deborah Brown, it was mutually agreed that the policy in question should be changed. On Monday Ms. Brown will propose a policy change to the school’s board during a special meeting. Smith said he supports the change in the policy because it reflects an important value at Langston University to respect the individuality of students.”
Originally published - 05/09/2013
If you are a fan of BGLH, you will definitely have spied this story of Tiana Parker, a little girl whose parents have had to change her school because her natural hair (in locs) was decided to be against the rules. Do note that the hair codes bans afros too!
Well if you have the time, I would really encourage you to like the facebook page that has been set up for Tiana. (Disclaimer: I did not set it up, I don't know who did, I found it on twitter and I love the idea).
Let a little girl know that she can be anything that she wants to be and her hair is perfectly fine. If you have natural hair, please take a moment to post your profession and how you wear your hair too, send a message to the school that women with natural hair are actually succeeding!
Langston University, Deborah Brown’s sponsor released a statement:
“Langston University became aware Friday of a matter in which a student was allegedly dismissed from the Deborah Brown Community School, a charter school in Tulsa, Oklahoma sponsored by the University. The alleged dismissal stemmed from a violation of a school policy related to dress code and appearance. Langston University was not involved with creating the policy. After a discussion between Langston University President Kent Smith and the superintendent of the school, Ms. Deborah Brown, it was mutually agreed that the policy in question should be changed. On Monday Ms. Brown will propose a policy change to the school’s board during a special meeting. Smith said he supports the change in the policy because it reflects an important value at Langston University to respect the individuality of students.”
Originally published - 05/09/2013
If you are a fan of BGLH, you will definitely have spied this story of Tiana Parker, a little girl whose parents have had to change her school because her natural hair (in locs) was decided to be against the rules. Do note that the hair codes bans afros too!
Well if you have the time, I would really encourage you to like the facebook page that has been set up for Tiana. (Disclaimer: I did not set it up, I don't know who did, I found it on twitter and I love the idea).
Let a little girl know that she can be anything that she wants to be and her hair is perfectly fine. If you have natural hair, please take a moment to post your profession and how you wear your hair too, send a message to the school that women with natural hair are actually succeeding!
I was in tears watching the video of this sweet little girl. It's just so sad people are so narrow-minded!
ReplyDeleteI have found this situation to be distressing on many levels.
ReplyDeleteThe first level is obvious. If a black child is not accepted wearing natural hairstyles by the Black educational community we have a problem that needs to be addressed because basic Teaching 101 indicates that a child's self-worth and acceptance is important. Seeing that photo of that little girl in tears made me so very angry!
Secondly, is a hairstyle more important than what is going on inside of a child's mind? Someone at this school is way off focus in terms of priorities.
Her hair is fine. We have to be more encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked rhat this kind of thing should happen in this day and age. I'm at a loss for words!
ReplyDelete