What is it with U.S. schools and institutions thinking that they can dictate whether an individual wears their natural hair? Take a minute, watch the video and lift up this young queen who is currently under attack in Florida. [SIGN PETITION HERE]
Help encourage Vanessa and all students to embrace and cherish their natural hair, skin, eyes, etc. It is unfortunate that many children of color continue to be forced into accepting Eurocentric standards of beauty. Feel free to write a message of support to this honor student who chooses to embrace her natural hair.
via Naturally Moi
Rather than promote free-thinking, the mantra at schools across the nation, public or private is: Conform or Leave.
A teenager in Orlando has received the message quite loudly. She has a week to determine if she is willing to cut and shape her hair or be expelled.
The young lady’s name is Vanessa Vandyke and she currently attends Faith Christian Academy. The same school she has attended since she was in the 3rd grade.
However, her future there is unclear. Right now, she and her mother are refusing to change the hair because they see it as part of who Vanessa is as a person.
Vanessa commented, “It says that I’m unique . . . First of all, it’s puffy and I like it that way. I know people will tease me about it because it’s not straight. I don’t fit in.”
Despite teasing from classmates, Vanessa has vowed to stay true to her identity. But unfortunately, her classmates are not the extent of the problem. The teen claims that officials at the school are now taking part in singling her out based on her appearance.