School Faces Criticism Over Hair Discrimination Policies

Students expressing their cultural identities through their natural hair in a supportive school environment.

News Summary

Vanessa VanDyke, a student at Faith Christian Academy in Orlando, faces expulsion due to scrutiny over her natural hair amid ongoing bullying. The school’s policies regarding hair have raised questions about discrimination and cultural expression. Her mother argues that the definition of distraction is subjective, paralleling the case of another student whose afro was deemed ‘out of control.’ These incidents highlight the need for reform in school dress codes and support for legislation like the CROWN Act, aimed at protecting students from hair discrimination.

Orlando, Florida – Vanessa VanDyke, a 12-year-old student at Faith Christian Academy, is facing expulsion after her natural hair became a subject of scrutiny, linked to ongoing bullying at the school. Despite informing school administrators about the bullying from her classmates, she asserts that concerns about her hair emerged only after she reported the incidents.

The school’s policy stipulates that “Hair must be a natural color and must not be a distraction.” It lists specific hairstyles considered inappropriate, including mohawks and shaved designs. However, Vanessa’s natural hair has been a part of her identity throughout the school year. She has now been given a week to either cut her hair or leave the academy, a decision that weighs heavily on her after attending since the third grade.

In light of this ultimatum, Vanessa’s mother, Sabrina Kent, argues that perceptions of distraction are subjective. She highlights the inconsistency in the dress code, suggesting that different people have varying opinions on what constitutes a distraction. Despite the potential for expulsion, the family remains resolute in their decision to preserve Vanessa’s natural hair, emphasizing its significance in her self-identity.

Vanessa expressed feelings of depression regarding the situation, particularly concerning the possibility of leaving her friends behind. However, she has prioritized her comfort and self-acceptance over the pressure to alter her appearance. In supporting her daughter, Kent has publicly declared Vanessa beautiful just as she is, reinforcing the importance of embracing natural hair.

School officials acknowledged receipt of communications regarding Vanessa’s situation but refrained from providing specific responses or clarifications about the matter. This lack of transparency has led to increased scrutiny of the school’s policies and their implications for students expressing their cultural and personal identities.

In a similarly concerning case, another student, 17-year-old Jenesis Johnson at North Florida Christian School, faced challenges regarding her afro hairstyle. An administrator labeled her hair as “faddish” and referred to it as “out of control,” raising questions about the broader implications of hair discrimination based on race. Like Vanessa, Jenesis had worn her afro for months without prior issues until her hairstyle was called into question by a teacher.

Jenesis and her mother argue that such definitions reflect a systemic bias against natural hair prevalent among African American students and their cultural expressions. She has articulated that the punitive measures taken by the school not only affected her self-esteem but also have broader implications for future students who might wish to embrace similar hairstyles.

These incidents at Faith Christian Academy and North Florida Christian School highlight a growing discourse on hair discrimination, particularly in educational settings. In 2021, the Florida Legislature was presented with the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), a piece of legislation designed to protect students and employees from discrimination based on their natural hairstyles. The CROWN Act advocates for a more inclusive understanding of personal grooming and appearance in schools and workplaces.

As discussions on hair discrimination continue, support for similar legislative efforts is gaining momentum in various states across the U.S. This growing awareness may lead to necessary changes in dress codes and policies that impact students and their right to express their cultural identities through their hairstyles.