Thinking back to our school days can bring up happy or sad memories. It’s a time full of ups and downs, but one thing we all understand is school rules.
Some rules make sense, like not wearing jewelry during sports. But it seems like a waste of time and resources to send someone home for wearing too much makeup or sneaking in a certain soda.
Schools can be too strict about how kids look, which goes against their desire to be unique and express themselves.
For one mom and her son, these rules went too far. They could even mean that an 8-year-old boy misses out on a good education.
View this post on Instagram
Farouk James, hailing from London, England, boasts a striking mane that has garnered the interest of modeling agents. Now working as a child model, he has participated in photo shoots in New York and Italy.
However, his distinctive appearance has led to challenges at school, resulting in rejections from several institutions due to the length of his hair. Farouk has an older brother, and their mother, Bonnie Miller, recalls that when he was in school, she was told his hair was too short.
Bonnie explains that Farouk’s father, who is from Ghana, adhered to cultural practices, leading them to refrain from cutting his hair until he turned three years old.
“At that time, he and I both loved his beautiful hair,” Bonnie shared with CBS News. “So, we decided to keep it.”
They reside in the U.K., where many schools have a policy allowing girls to have long hair but not boys.
Bonnie believes that forcing children to cut their hair goes against their basic rights as humans.
“I won’t stop trying to convince governments to create laws that protect children from these old-fashioned, strict rules,” Bonnie expressed on Instagram.
“Farouk hasn’t done anything wrong, yet you reject him! He will have to say goodbye to his friends while they all go to the schools he really wants to attend.”
View this post on Instagram
This situation led Bonnie to start a Change.org petition to stop hair discrimination in the U.K.
“We’re building a strong team and calling ourselves the Mane Generation,” Bonnie said. “We’re going to keep fighting until these rules change. And we’re not just focusing on the U.K.; this is a global issue.”
Farouk’s mom manages an Instagram account showcasing his life as a joyful boy and child model, which has over 250,000 followers.
Despite the love and support they receive online, they still face negative comments. After appearing on the popular U.K. morning show ‘This Morning’ to discuss their struggle to find a school that accepts Farouk and his hair, Bonnie received many negative comments.
View this post on Instagram
“In May last year, during mental health week, I’m surprised to see so many negative comments about Farouk’s hair,” Bonnie wrote.
“Farouk’s hair is a natural part of him, and he won’t be cutting it to please anyone, just as he doesn’t keep it long because I ask him to.”
Bonnie argues that the appearance rules for girls and boys at schools are outdated and, in some cases, discriminatory, especially with many schools banning dreadlocks and braids.
She vows to keep fighting for Farouk’s acceptance and for all the other children who face discrimination for expressing their cultural heritage and individuality.
In my opinion, rejecting a child because of their hair, especially by those who are supposed to educate them, is just not right in 2022. These rules should be banned. DONT FORGET TO TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS!