Courts have ruled on schools’ dress codes

“I want to go to school!” This was the plea from young Kalifa Logan, when she visited Newsday’s office last Thursday. Since then, there has been a public outcry as to how such an innocent child could be denied entry into a school because of her dreadlocks. It can be recalled that ten years ago, Sarah Ali, Summayah Mohammed and Saberah Abu Bakr were all denied entry into secondary schools because they opted to wear the hijab. Back then, principal of St Joseph’s Convent (St Joseph), Hazel Reece, said that there would be “no exception” to the school’s dress code.

The principal of Holy Name Convent also took a similar stand. Principal of St Charles’ High School, Sister Adrianna Noel, who has denied Kalifa access to the school because of her dreadlocks, has stated that the school’s dress code will be adhered to. Speaking to the Ministry of Education yesterday, Newsday was informed at the Communication Office that the Ministry was unaware of the situation, and was also told to contact the St George East office. When this was attempted, all school supervisors were said to be in a meeting. Responding to the situation was first vice president of the TT Unified Teacher’s Association (TTUTA), Sally Siriram, who said there has always been contention over schools’ dress codes.

She said that not enough debate has gone into the school dress code, and as a result parents and teachers should have greater dialogue about dress codes, especially when students are about to enter schools. She also said that some schools have their own culture, and they take pride in that culture. Siriram added that TTUTA will issue a statement when it has gathered all the information. Attempts to contact the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) proved futile, as all calls went unanswered. However, Bro Noble Khan, former vice president of the IRO, was willing to make an independent statement. He said that TT is a diverse country and there are many races and ethnicities here, and from the past 42 years, there should be some degree of experience.

He also said that there should be a greater accommodation for children’s education. In 1994, one of the Muslim girls, Summayah Mohammed, successfully contested the school’s decision to prohibit her from wearing a hijab. In 1995, Justice Margot Warner ruled in favour of applicant Aphtaab and Salisha Mohammed, the girl’s parents, and Holy Name Convent was ordered to pay costs. In 1995, it was ruled unconstitutional to prohibit a child from the freedom of conscience and religious belief and observance.