Style and fashion clash with school standards and policy resulting in twelve Berkeley Institute pupils being forced to return home on the second day of the new term.
TNN News spoke with a few parents that voiced their concerns about today’s interruption in school activities. Below is the views from concerned parents in a written response to TNN
Rethinking School Policies: Balancing Appearance and Education at Berkeley Institute
Introduction:
The recent incident at the Berkeley Institute, where female students were sent home for wearing false eyelashes and acrylic nails, has sparked a discussion about the impact of such disciplinary actions on their learning. This article aims to explore the rationale behind these decisions and question whether the school’s emphasis on appearance is overshadowing the importance of education. It is crucial to consider whether these policies are truly necessary and if there are alternative approaches that prioritize both student expression and academic growth.
Learning Shouldn’t Be Impacted:
The core purpose of education is to provide students with knowledge and skills that will shape their future. False eyelashes and acrylic nails, as personal style choices, do not inherently hinder a student’s ability to learn. It is important to remember that the focus of students should be on their work, not on the appearance of their peers. Therefore, it is questionable why these aspects are given so much importance when it comes to learning.
Cost and Time Considerations:
The financial investment students make in obtaining false eyelashes and acrylic nails should not be disregarded. Forcing them to remove these items can be viewed as a waste of their resources. Additionally, asking students to go home and miss a whole day of learning seems unnecessary. Instead, a more practical approach could be dismissing them at the end of the school day and requesting them to remove these items in the evening, ensuring they do not miss out on valuable educational opportunities.
Contradictory Standards:
A notable contradiction arises when teachers are allowed to wear makeup and have colorful hair while students are reprimanded for the same. If teachers’ appearances are not seen as distracting to students, why should students be held to different standards? Consistency in enforcing appearance-related policies is essential to avoid confusion and ensure fairness within the school community.
Parental Inconvenience:
The decision to send students home for false eyelashes and acrylic nails has unintended consequences for parents. They are forced to take time off from work to collect their children, resulting in lost wages and potential financial strain. Schools should consider the impact of their policies on parents and explore alternative solutions that minimize disruption to both students and their families.
Setting an Example:
Perhaps it is time for teachers to reconsider their own appearance at school. By limiting the use of makeup and avoiding colorful hair, they can set an example for students and reinforce the importance of a professional and uniform appearance within the school community. This would help create consistency and avoid mixed messages regarding acceptable appearance standards.
Reevaluating Uniform Standards:
While The Berkeley Institute prides itself on its high standards, it is important to critically evaluate whether certain aspects of appearance, such as slits in eyebrows or specific nail lengths, truly impact a student’s ability to learn. Striking a balance between maintaining a uniform appearance and allowing for individual expression can help create a more inclusive and conducive learning environment.
Attention should also be given to some concerning practices regarding appearance policies at the Berkeley Institute. It has come to my attention that students are subjected to strict uniform checks at the entrance every morning, which includes verifying their ID. While the intention behind these checks may be to maintain a sense of order and uniformity, there are several aspects of this process that raise concerns.
Firstly, students who fail to present their ID are charged a fee of two dollars to enter the building. If they are unable to pay, a bill is generated for their parents, placing an unnecessary financial burden on families. It is important to consider the impact of such charges on students and their families, as it may result in inequality and potential financial strain.
Additionally, students who forget to wear their blazers are given infractions, which can have negative consequences for their academic records. While it is understandable that the school values uniformity, it is important to approach such situations with a level of understanding and flexibility, especially when it comes to minor infractions that do not directly impact a student’s ability to learn.
Moreover, the way in which students are addressed for appearance-related issues is concerning. If a student’s skirt is deemed too short, if they are wearing false eyelashes or acrylic nails, or if there are slits in their eyebrows, they are not dealt with in a private setting. Instead, the principal speaks to them in a public area where everyone can hear. This lack of privacy and professionalism can be embarrassing and potentially damaging to a student’s self-esteem.
It is crucial to consider the impact of these practices on students’ overall well-being and their ability to focus on their education. While maintaining a sense of uniformity is important, it is equally important to create an environment that fosters understanding, flexibility, and respect for individuality.
I urge the media to shed light on these concerns and encourage a dialogue about the impact of appearance policies on students’ experiences and academic success. By reevaluating these policies and finding a balance between maintaining uniformity and promoting a positive learning environment, the Berkeley Institute can ensure that all students feel valued and supported in their educational journey.
Conclusion:
The recent incident at the Berkeley Institute has raised questions about the school’s priorities and the impact of appearance-related policies on students’ education. It is crucial for schools to reevaluate their policies and ensure that disciplinary actions align with the core purpose of education. By striking a balance between enforcing rules and allowing students to express themselves within reasonable guidelines, schools can create an environment where students can thrive academically while embracing their individuality.
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