OBJECTION TO GIRL’S HAIR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2116, 17 April 1920, Page 3

OBJECTION TO GIRL’S HAIR.

“MATTER OF SCHOOL DISCIPLINE." The following letter received from M u Wanganui parent by the Education r Board was sent on to a meeting of the Wanganui Schools’ Committee for discussion: “I am puzzled over a little' matter which I think you may perhaps he able to enlighten mo upon. At the opening of school I sent my little girl, aged eight. She is always cleanly and neatly dressed, and her mother spends some time curling lier hair, which is thick and at an awkward stage. This 1 rouble taken over the child’s dress docs not ■appear to satisfy (he teacher, who insists on her hair being tied hack in a hideous fashion, and because . her mother objected to comply with the request the child was sent home and told nor to attend again unless her hair was tied hack. The action taken hy the mistress in practically expelling a child of eight years from school for a thing over which the child or the mistress has no control, and which is no offence or contravention of the Board regulations, is a little beyond my understanding, and 1 would very much like to know if she has authority to do so. The existing circumstances have forced me to send the child to a more distant school." The headmistress wrote staling that it was a rale of (he school (ha! the girls have to have their hair eitlier I led hack or pin it ed. Several of the members of the committee considered they should stand hy the teacher as a matter of discipline was involved. The chairman said they In id the ' poAver to step in il'-a teacher did not act judiciously. The committee had ,a ]o( of; respect for the particular headmistress’ judgment, and die parents should fall in line, with her

suggestion. Anoiher member of the commit-.ce said there was no need lo discuss the matter. They ail knew the disadvantages of “fuzzy" hair. The opinion was find her expressed that parents would rule the schools if the teachers were not upheld. it was decided to reply lo the parent, upholding (he teacher's action.