Appropriate or inappropriate? Parents weigh in on viral hairstyle policy

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A lot of people are talking about a hairstyle policy at an elementary school in DeKalb County.

According to a Facebook post, Narvie J. Harris Elementary School in Decatur  is limiting the way students can wear their hair.

There are allegedly two groups of haircuts: appropriate and inappropriate.

The woman who made the now-viral Facebook post -- Danay Helena -- said a client of hers has a child at the school and sent her the photo that has quickly made the rounds on social media.

"The outrage is warranted," Helena said. "Those hairstyles are, like, black staples community hairstyles. You know what I mean? I don't know, I just feel like it's wrong."

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Several parents, including the PTA president at the school, told Channel 2 Action News that the rules regarding appearance and hairstyles have been in place since the school opened 20 years ago.

NOTE: Narvie J. Harris Elementary School is a theme school, meaning parents apply and choose to send their kids there.

The DeKalb County School District sent us the following statement:

"One of DeKalb County School District's primary concerns will always be the health and safety of its students and staff. A piece of that priority involves fostering a welcoming learning environment.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, the district was made aware of a poster at Narvie J. Harris Theme School depicting appearance rules relating to student hairstyles. The poster was the result of a miscommunication relating to appearance rules at the school.

Once the district was made aware of the poster, it was immediately removed. In addition, a letter was sent to parents clarifying the school's dress code and appearance policy.
DeKalb County School District's stance as it relates to school dress code is addressed on pg. 81 and pg. 49 of the Student Code of Conduct, found here: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/documents/student-relations/code-of-student-conduct.pdf. A noteworthy passage states," Students/Parents are urged to review individual local school handbooks for any additional requirements related to student dress."

DeKalb County School District is committed to ensuring its school dress code and appearance policies are clear to its parents and families, while also protecting the rights of students and fostering an educational environment that is welcoming to all students."

Cox Media Group