In a striking incident of discrimination, a charter school in Massachusetts has faced backlash after suspending two Black students for wearing braids. The controversy centers around twin sisters, Ava and Mia Johnson, who attend Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in Malden. The school enforces a stringent dress code prohibiting “unnatural” hairstyles, leading to the suspension of the sisters and their removal from sports teams and prom.
The school officials initially instructed the Johnsons to remove their braids, deemed “artificial,” two weeks prior. When the sisters refused, they served daily detention for weeks before being barred from attending prom and participating in sports activities. Their mother, Lisa Johnson, expressed her outrage, stating, “There is nothing wrong with how they choose to wear their hair. It reflects their culture and beauty.” She argues that the policy specifically targets students of color, who often express their heritage through braided styles.
The situation has sparked concern, as other Black and biracial students have also faced similar repercussions. The Boston Globe reported that these students were subjected to hair inspections, with little regard for their cultural significance. Lisa Johnson noted that her daughters have worn braids without issue until recently, when the school began enforcing the policy rigorously.
The school’s administration defends its stance, claiming the dress code promotes equity by minimizing distractions related to fashion and style. They argue that the policy regarding hair extensions is consistent with their educational environment goals. However, organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights have voiced criticism, suggesting the policy may infringe on federal anti-discrimination laws. They highlight that braids are often worn by African-American and Afro-Caribbean students, raising concerns about biased treatment.
Even the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association has criticized the policy, stating it contradicts the values they aim to instill in schools. With over 40% of the student body being students of color, the lack of representation among faculty—only one Black teacher out of 170—further complicates the issue. Reports indicate that Black students were over twice as likely to be suspended compared to their white peers.
Students at Mystic Valley have begun to vocalize their dissent against the policy, labeling it as racist and inconsistent, as white students who violate the dress code for hair coloring or makeup often escape punishment. Seventeen-year-old Ella Roberts remarked on the unfairness of targeting Black students while overlooking similar infractions by their white counterparts. “Why are we singled out when others are allowed to express themselves without consequences?” Ava Johnson questioned. “Standing up for what’s right is the only way to bring about change.”
This narrative illustrates the ongoing struggle against discriminatory practices within educational institutions, particularly when it comes to cultural expression through personal grooming. To learn more about issues surrounding pregnancy and home insemination, be sure to check out this excellent resource on infertility and explore artificial insemination kits for your journey. For further details on our policies, please visit this link.
In summary, the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School’s suspension of students for wearing braids has ignited a debate on cultural discrimination in school policies. The community is calling for a review of the dress code to ensure it respects students’ cultural identities while fostering an equitable learning environment.