Kempton Park school sparks new #racism debate over ‘inappropriate hair’

In August 2016, we reported on an incident at Pretoria Girls High in which staff instructed a number of girls to straighten their hair. This week, another Gauteng school has come under fire for expelling a group of students on Monday for inappropriate hairstyles.

Windsor House Academy, based in Kempton Park, deemed that the 20 pupils it expelled did not wear their hair in accordance with the school’s code of conduct.

#Racism These are the young black girls kicked out of Windsor House Academy because they braided their hair #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/jOaoazJGnD

— Chriselda Lewis (@Chriseldalewis) July 25, 2017

The above tweet from senior SABC journalist Chriselda Lewis began trending around 8am Wednesday in South Africa. Soon after, the attached hashtag #racism was also trending.

Users on Twitter also had their say, with some calling the move by Windsor House “total madness”.

This is total madness. As far as I know ke gore as long as your hair is neat and not on your face. Have you seen how whites do their hair?

— Rato (@LeratoMotseoka2) July 25, 2017

A number of users agreed.

This “rules” is just to attack black people and deprive them from education. Last year it was about how big their afro’s were, now this!

— Rato (@LeratoMotseoka2) July 25, 2017

One thing white ppl can’t stand are black ppl who are proud of being black.

— Ndumiso_Dlamini (@lungani_ndumiso) July 25, 2017

Our black kids in the township school are forced to shave their heads even in winter. It’s an apartheid school policy that still exists.

— Keletso Tswelo N. (@kaynkata) July 25, 2017

Some users defended the school’s decision.

This is totaly different from the Afro issue. When they finish matric they will have all the time for extensions.

— MissZikhona (@therealzee_1) July 25, 2017

This is so petty…If braids arent allowed, they shouldnt do braids, simple. These girls/ or atleast the parents were aware of these rules.

— MissZikhona (@therealzee_1) July 25, 2017

This is not racism stop misleading public. Even in black schools braids are not allowed.

— RC Mathobela (@Talented_RC) July 25, 2017

Others called for all schools to relook their codes of conduct.

Its time for schools to change how they view discipline. Punitive outdated rules do not work.

— Anne Baker (@Snowgooose) July 25, 2017

@HectorChauke_03 these kids do not misbehave due to the kind of hairstyle they have.yes it’s racism.

— Kwena (@Kwena48597917) July 25, 2017

Some offered the girls their support.

We stand with you!✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/coBOGztaNW

— Sista Dee Barnes✊🏾 (@sistadbarnes) July 26, 2017

According to the Daily Maverick, the school will suspend its code of conduct for three months, with a possible new code implemented after a review.

Feature image: screenshot, Chriselda Lewis (@chriseldalewis) via Twitter