Chinese schools spark controversy over strict hair policy barring non-compliant male students

Two schools in northwestern China have ignited controversy by enforcing a strict hairstyle policy on students, who may be stopped at the school gate or even turned away if they fail to comply with the requirements.August 23 marked the first day of the new school term at Yinchuan-high-school" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="197592" data-entity-type="organization">Yinchuan High School and Yinchuan-no-24-middle-school" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="197593" data-entity-type="organization">Yinchuan No 24 Middle School in Yinchuan, the capital city of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region.Viral videos revealed that several teachers were stationed at the gates of these two schools, inspecting students’ hairstyles and prohibiting entry to those who did not adhere to the hair regulations, as reported by Jinyun News.Many students who were denied entry, along with their perplexed parents, were seen in the videos, with some parents making last-minute calls for hair styling services.Viral footage captures rows of barred students and bewildered parents, with some families frantically arranging last-minute haircuts. Photo: GuanchaNearby the school gates, several barbers had set up makeshift stalls to accommodate the students in need of haircuts. Reports indicated that some students were queuing for their services.According to the grooming regulations set by the schools, male students are required to keep their hair above their eyebrows and ears, and it must not touch the collar in the back. Those who do not meet these standards must visit a barbershop for immediate adjustment before being allowed to enter the school.For female students, if their hair is short, it must not extend to their neck; if it is medium or long, it should be tied in a ponytail as per school rules.All students are prohibited from perming or dyeing their hair. Boys wishing to shave their heads completely must first obtain permission from the school.Some parents expressed to the media that they were unaware of these specific hairstyle requirements.An anonymous teacher from Yinchuan-high-school" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="197592" data-entity-type="organization">Yinchuan High School stated that they would permit students to enter after “their hair was corrected according to the school’s rules.”“Our intention is not to prevent students from entering the school. We simply wish to communicate with parents and collaborate to persuade students to adopt a standardised hairstyle,” the teacher was quoted as saying.Desperate students seek emergency trims outside the school gates, where enterprising street barbers have quickly set up temporary stalls. Photo: sxwbs.comAn official from the Yinchuan-municipal-education-bureau" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="197594" data-entity-type="organization">Yinchuan Municipal Education Bureau mentioned that they are investigating the situation and have not yet determined an appropriate course of action.Meng Bo, a lawyer from Beijing Jingshi Law Firm, asserted that the schools have violated China’s Education Law by infringing upon students’ right to education, as they deny entry based on hairstyle issues.Further ReadingAccording to the country’s Ministry of Education, the Middle School Students’ Behaviour Regulation states that students should dress neatly and are not permitted to perm or dye their hair, wear make-up, or adorn themselves with jewellery.Male students are prohibited from having long hair, while female students are not allowed to wear high-heeled shoes, as per ministry guidelines.In addition to this general policy, many schools nationwide establish detailed requirements and enforce them stringently.In mid-August, a parent in Dongguan, southern Guangdong province, lodged a complaint with the local government, stating that a junior secondary school forced his son to cut his hair, threatening that he would not be allowed to register without compliance.