Dear Members of the Administration,

We, the undersigned students of Laval Bilingual High School, respectfully request a review of the school’s current rules concerning students’ hairstyles.

We understand that the school has the right to establish reasonable standards related to safety, hygiene, discipline and professionalism. However, those standards should be clear, necessary, applied equally and respectful of the different hair textures and cultural backgrounds represented in our school community.

Hair is not simply a matter of appearance for many students. Natural Afro-textured hair, for example, has a different structure from straight or loosely curled hair and may require different methods of care. Protective styles such as braids, twists, locs, cornrows and natural hairstyles can help students maintain their hair safely and healthily. Requiring students to change or remove these styles without a specific safety or educational reason can create unnecessary pressure, expense and stress.

The current policy can affect students in several concrete ways:

● Students may feel singled out or embarrassed when their natural or culturally significant hairstyles are described as inappropriate.

● Students may be pressured to use heat, chemical treatments or other methods to make their hair conform to a preferred appearance. These treatments can be costly, time-consuming and potentially damaging when used frequently.

● Students may lose instructional time when they are removed from class, questioned or disciplined because of their hairstyle rather than their conduct.

● Families may face unexpected expenses when students are required to change hairstyles that were chosen for cultural, protective or practical reasons.

● Unequal enforcement can reduce students’ trust in school rules and create the impression that some hair textures or cultural styles are less acceptable than others.

These concerns are consistent with broader research and guidance on inclusive school policies. Public-health and dermatology organizations recognize that Afro-textured hair often requires specialized care and that frequent chemical straightening or high-heat styling can contribute to hair and scalp damage. Education and human-rights guidance also emphasizes that appearance rules should not disproportionately burden students because of race, ethnicity, culture or natural hair characteristics. In addition, research on school belonging shows that students are more likely to participate positively in school when they feel respected, included and treated fairly.

A hairstyle that is clean, secure and appropriate for school does not, by itself, interfere with learning. If a hairstyle creates a genuine safety concern—for example, during laboratory work, physical education or another activity—the school can address that specific concern through reasonable measures such as tying back the hair or using appropriate protective equipment. A complete or vague restriction is not necessary when a narrower solution can protect safety while respecting students’ rights and identities.

We also believe that students should have a reasonable opportunity to express their individuality while respecting the school environment. Freedom of expression includes the ability to make personal choices about appearance, subject to legitimate and proportionate school rules. Allowing students to wear neat, hygienic and culturally appropriate hairstyles does not prevent the school from maintaining high academic and behavioral standards.

Our request is therefore not for the removal of all appearance standards. But for the review of hair policies resulting from the remains of capillary racism.

A fair policy would benefit the entire school community. It would reduce unnecessary conflict, improve consistency, protect students from unequal treatment and demonstrate that Laval Bilingual High School values both discipline and diversity. Clear, objective rules would also help staff enforce expectations more confidently and help students understand exactly what is required of them.

We believe Laval Bilingual High School has an opportunity to set a positive example by showing that professionalism does not require students to hide their natural hair or cultural identity. Students should be evaluated according to their behavior, academic effort and respect for others—not according to naturally occurring characteristics of their hair or hairstyles associated with their culture.

We respectfully ask the administration to consult with students, families and staff, review the current hairstyle regulations; and adopt a fair, inclusive and evidence based policy.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this petition.

Respectfully,

The Students of Laval Bilingual High School