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Damion Crawford
By Prince Moore
Opposition Spokesman on Education Senator Damion Crawford has backed the decision to remove the requirement for male Rastafarian students to cover their deadlocks while in school.
Education Minister Fayval Williams, speaking at the recently concluded annual conference of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, said the students will have the option to choose whether or not to wear the covering.
The Education Minister said this is part of the draft of the dress and grooming policy in schools, which should be made public shortly.
Senator Crawford says the new policy is a reflection of the change in norms.
"I understand the impetus and I don't envy [the minister] for having that duty of navigating the changes we're facing in our society, but at the same time ensuring that there is still discipline and the training of discipline, the ability to conform."
"No one believes there should be no rule with uniform, no rule with hair, with behaviour," said the senator, who admitted that the Education Minister is "trying her best" to find a middle ground on certain issues.