Hair-Raising Showdown: Unregistered School Closes After Violently Throwing Out Student Over Dreadlocks
An unregistered school in Johannesburg has indefinitely closed following a video depicting a violent clash between a school staff member and a parent of a student with dreadlocks.
The Crowthorne Christian Academy in Midrand informed parents via text messages that it would cease operations indefinitely. Yesterday, EFF supporters rallied outside the premises, demanding a meeting with the principal, Tanya Booysen.
Reason School Suspended Student: Dreadlocks
On August 15, 2023, the private school garnered attention due to a 13-year-old student being prevented from attending classes. The reason was the school’s recently implemented hair policy, which prohibited extensions and, consequently, the student’s natural dreadlocks.
The student’s mother, who had maintained her daughter’s dreadlocks since childhood, stated that she was unaware of the policy alteration.
She added that her daughter had previously attended school with her natural Afro styled in a bun or braids. However, she opted to reinstall the dreadlocks during school break as her child’s hair was getting damaged.
When she took her daughter to school on Monday, she encountered the principal’s husband, who forcibly removed the student from the classroom and physically confronted the mother. The entire fight was recorded by another parent and shared on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
12 year old Tylin Gcabashe was assaulted by the Principals husband at Crowthorne Christian Academy. Mrs Tanya Booysen (The Principal) said “I will not allow her back into this school unless her hair is shaved off.
While according to The Gauteng department of education the… pic.twitter.com/OYG2HlSi8Q
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) August 17, 2023
Authorities Respond Swiftly to the Unregistered School
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) announced its investigation into the incident and unveiled that the school was operating without proper registration. As a result, the GDE vowed to take legal action against the school and aid affected parents and students in finding alternative educational solutions.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) also pledged to examine the matter, asserting that it seemed to infringe on the student’s various rights, including the right to education, cultural expression, dignity, and protection against discrimination.
Parents expressed frustration and concern for their children’s future, feeling let down by the school. They criticised the contentious hair policy, highlighting the lack of consultation with black parents on appropriate haircare practices.