Award-winning journalist Eva has a regular column in the Daily Mirror every Thursday and is one of the newspaper’s original 3am Girls. On her son’s first day at secondary school, she felt immense pride, like many parents. Her son looked sharp in his new uniform, including a blazer, tie, shirt, and shiny shoes, prompting Eva to take numerous photos to share with loved ones.
Upon arriving at the school, a teacher singled out Eva as the parent of a boy with a hairstyle that violated the school’s policy. Despite Eva’s son having a standard short haircut he had worn during primary school, the school deemed it “extreme” as it was shorter than a number four. Eva was upset and close to tears, feeling unfairly treated.
Eva apologized and assured the teacher it wouldn’t happen again, although she was internally furious at the unnecessary division created. She highlighted the issue of black children facing penalties for hairstyle choices and praised headteacher Julie Richardson of St Albans for abandoning strict hair rules, allowing kids to express themselves without being isolated or missing class time.
Eva criticized uniform policies that overlook cultural heritage, such as banning braids for black schoolgirls under the pretext of being hair extensions. She emphasized that these rules breed resentment and harm children’s well-being. Eva also raised concerns about the lack of diversity in school governance, urging more inclusion of black representation to address such issues.
In conclusion, Eva commended Ms. Richardson’s progressive approach and hoped that more schools would follow suit in embracing diversity and inclusivity.