Dispute Erupts at Crowthorne Christian School Over Hair Policy

A recent viral video capturing a heated altercation has drawn attention to a contentious issue at Crowthorne Christian Academy in Midrand, Gauteng. Swisher Post reports that the dispute centres around a 13-year-old Grade 8 learner who was allegedly prevented from attending classes due to a disagreement regarding the school’s hair policy.

According to Sowetan, the incident unfolded when a teacher reportedly removed the learner from the classroom for wearing hair extensions, which the school’s newly implemented hair policy prohibited. The learner’s mother, however, insists that her child’s hair contains natural dreadlocks, not extensions.

Tensions escalated as a man, believed to be the principal’s husband, became involved in a forceful exchange with both the learner and her parents. The situation culminated in a physical altercation, captured on video, where the man was seen pushing the learner and her parent out of the classroom. This action led to allegations of assault and inappropriate behaviour.

An assault charge has been opened with police
after a man is seen pushing a minor. There was a dispute over the learner’s extentions/dreadlocks. The incident took place at the Crowthorne Christian School in Midrand, Johannesburg. Video as received. pic.twitter.com/sI2rNTeydN

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 15, 2023

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Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, a spokesperson for the police, confirmed that they had opened a case of common assault in response to the incident.

The Gauteng Department of Education disclosed that the school operated illegally. Consequently, the department offered the learner alternative schooling options and counselling. Steve Mabona, the education spokesperson, emphasised the importance of unregistered institutions engaging with the department to ensure compliance with necessary registration procedures.

Crowthorne Christian School has not issued a statement addressing the incident, leaving many concerned about the situation’s resolution and the broader implications for learners and their families.

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Picture: Facebook / Crowthorne Christian Academy

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