GOVERNMENT CRAFTS DRAFT POLICY ON STUDENTS’ HAIR AND GROOMING; CONDEMNS DISCRIMINATION

Cabinet has strongly condemned what it views as discrimination by several schools against Rastafari students and others who wear their hair in a similar manner.
The executive arm of Government makes it clear the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda protects freedom of religion, freedom of association, and the freedom to hold a belief system that differs from the majority’s.
It says the policy of the Government is that there must be no such discrimination.
The Education Ministry has also announced officials are currently finalizing a draft document on the issue.
Portfolio Minister Hon. Daryll Matthew expects the issue to be “put to rest” over the next few days as consultations are held with stakeholders in both public and private schools.
The Minister assures the students affected in public schools will be allowed into those institutions as of Thursday.
He was interviewed during the ABS Evening News Wednesday.