Malawi’s High Court has issued a directive to the Ministry of Education, ordering public schools in the country to allow students with dreadlocks to be enrolled.
The court ruling, which came on Monday, also requires the Ministry to release a circular by June 30, officially lifting restrictions that prevented Rastafarian learners from attending public schools.
The court’s decision was made in response to a petition filed on behalf of two Rastafarian individuals who had been denied admission to public schools in 2010 and 2016 due to their dreadlocks.
After obtaining an injunction through human rights organizations, the learners pursued a legal case, seeking equal access to education for Rastafari children without any discriminatory biases.
In her ruling, Justice Nzione Ntaba stated that the Ministry of Education must issue a statement allowing all Rastafarian children with dreadlocks to attend classes. The deadline for the release of the circular was set for June 30.
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Rastafarianism, an Abrahamic religion originating in Jamaica, emphasizes natural living, including the embracing of natural hair.
However, Malawi’s Rastafarians have long faced exclusion due to education policies that mandated students to cut their hair, aiming to promote uniformity among students.
This recent court ruling in Malawi follows a similar case in Kenya in June 2020, where a court also prohibited schools from turning away Rastafari learners.
The decision by Malawi’s High Court marks a significant step toward inclusivity and equal access to education for Rastafarian students in the country.
It highlights the importance of respecting cultural and religious diversity within educational institutions, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and thrive regardless of their appearance or beliefs.