Antiguan government condemns discrimination against Rastafarians at schools
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has expressed "strong condemnation" of schools that discriminate against Rastafarians and students who wear their natural hair in locks.
In a statement issued today (Wednesday, September 9), the government said: "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."
The Cabinet noted that objection to natural hairstyles on students' heads may be "couched in language covering school deportment," however, the object, as the Cabinet sees it, "is to enable discrimination against children from the Rastafarian community."
According to the release, the debate about excluding Rastafarians from schools ended in Antigua and Barbuda nearly 50 years ago.
"Schools are not to discriminate against members of the Rastafarian community or those who choose to wear their hair in the same manner as the Rastafarians practice. That is the policy as articulated by the Government."
The government said should it become necessary, the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda will be induced to change the policy into law.
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