Bearded Pupils Banned From Class

[mushroom25]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-24382723

//Head teacher Xavier Bowers said the decision was not a religious issue.//

really? and who exactly is he trying to kid with that statement?

[maggiebee]

Dress Code is up to individual schools to establish and enforce. Don't see many at Eton with trainers and trackie bottoms on.

[boxtops]

even when I was at school, the 6th form boys weren't allowed facial hair - this is nothing new in terms of how you present yourself at the school gates.

[davetuc]

Is there really anything wrong with introducing children to standards, appearance, and the importance of rules and regulations? Surely they are all lessons in life? Gromit, just take a look at leaving time at a school without these regulations and you might rethink your point of view!

[aelmpvw]

when i was a mere boy at school sideburns and hair touching the collar weren't allowed :-)

[TWR]

Don't send your kids to that school. why BOO? this is the Schools Rules, or is this another test by the people who are trying the System?

[B00]

Eh TWR?

I was stating that if you didn't like the schools rules you have an option not to send your children to it.

You shouldn't be able to state your happy to follow the rules then kick up a stink when they suddenly don't suit your whims.

[Dizmo]

From all the links put into this thread I'm having this image of a bearded school teacher wearing a charity wrist band and a remembrance day poppy. The said made up teacher then snags his wrist on a door handle closing the door on his face and gets caught in his beard. At the same time he bangs his chest against said offending door and gets the pin from the poppy stuck through his chest. Now the HSE would love that one... The world has gone mad.. Well I certainly have.

[Gromit]

So if the school rules are that headscarfs must be worn by female pupils, that should be adhered to, because its the school rule?

[ummmm]

Yes and if you disagree send your kids to a different school. Some schools insist you wear hats.

[B00]

yes Groms, in fact I do believe there are schools where rules regarding headgear to be worn are enforced are they not?

[Sqad]

Gromit

\\\\\So if the school rules are that headscarfs must be worn by female pupils, that should be adhered to, because its the school rule?\\\

By God, at last you have got it.

Trouble with the UK now is that the Brits don't like being told what to do.

[sherrardk]

You could try googling 'rules' for a definition if you are struggling with the concept.

[keyplus90]

////In this instance the beard is a symbol of Islamic defiance of western values.////

I know Gromit has already mentioned this one. But since when having no beard is the part of Western values?

Then, if School has in their rules book that no one (and I mean anyone not only Muslims) would be allowed to have beard then any of the parents who sent their kids to that school knowing that should abide by the rules of change the school. And I am saying that as a Muslim who believes that Islam teaches us to abide by the rules and the law. However if that rule has been added for specific reasons then I am sure at some stage Head teacher will have to explain that. Otherwise as Jake mentioned, the Islamic school banned recently had rules and the teachers should have respected those rules too. Although personally I did not like that school’s policy.

[Gromit]

Sherrardk
Rules have to be fair, justified and be reasonable.

A rule that says you cannot have a No.2 haircut deserves to be ignored because it is a stupid rule. A rule that says pupils must be clean shaven, but the teachers don't have to be, also makes little sense.

[Sqad]

Gromit

\\\\\Rules have to be fair, justified and be reasonable. \\\

Nonsense....they just have to be obeyed.

[leahbee]

Rules are rules and throughout life we have to obey them.
Many organisations have strict dress codes, golf clubs for instance.
When my daughter went to her catholic college she had to wear a straw boater in summer and a felt hat in winter. She hated it but she had to obey the rules and we as parents supported this.
It seems like the boys in question are just thumbing their noses at authority. They should be expelled.

[ludwig]

// Hair growing on the face is natural and unstoppable. Deciding to shave it off or not should be a personal decision. //

You are absolutely right Gromit. However, people need to be aware that the personal decision they make regarding their facial hair may have consequences, for example it may limit the choice of schools they can attend, or perhaps employment opportunities.

[sherrardk]

The teachers are subject to a separate set of rules. If the rules say no number 2 haircuts then that is the rule - who says the rules have to be justified, fair and reasonable? If you don't like the rules of a certain school then go to one who's rules you do like. Some parents constantly try and fight the rules and therefore set their children a bad example.

[Gromit]

// Nonsense....they just have to be obeyed. //

Rules that make no sense, have a tendency to get broken. Rules where there is an obvious logical reason for it, will be obeyed.

Rules for no other reason than to assert authority are the stupidest rules of all.

[Sqad]

Gromit....thank you......we have got your point and respect it........