Kasama Boys secondary school denies enrollment to pupil with dreadlocks, citing dress code violations

The head teacher of Kasama Boys Secondary School, Kaoma Mukuka, has informed the Lusaka High Court that the school cannot enroll a 13-year-old pupil with dreadlocks, as it violates the institution’s regulations on proper grooming.

In his submission, Mukuka stated that admitting the boy, whose father, Nathan Mubanga, has sued the State, would breach the school’s dress code, which prohibits improper attire, including dreadlocks and head coverings.

The minor was accepted into Grade 8 after meeting academic requirements, but was later denied enrollment when he arrived wearing a black headscarf to cover his dreadlocks.

The school’s rules, shared with the student and his guardian at the time of acceptance, clearly outlined the prohibition of non-compliant hairstyles.

Mukuka explained that both the pupil and his father signed an agreement to follow the school’s rules, which include the prohibition of items such as hats, jewelry, and certain hairstyles.

Despite multiple reminders, the pupil refused to remove the headscarf and cut his dreadlocks, leading to the school’s decision to deny him enrollment.

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Mukuka argued that allowing the boy to attend classes without complying with the dress code would be unfair to other students who follow the rules.

Mubanga, however, is seeking a court order to allow his son to attend school without cutting his dreadlocks, claiming that the school’s demands conflict with their religious beliefs.

He contended that the school’s insistence on the haircut violates his son’s right to freedom of conscience and religion, and is seeking an injunction to prevent the school from barring his son based on his hairstyle.

The court case remains ongoing as both sides await a ruling on the matter.

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