Petition to change ‘outdated’ and ‘racially biased’ hair policy at Pittsburgh school going viral

PITTSBURGH — A petition seeking to change the hair policy at Central Catholic High School is going viral.

The Change.org petition to lift the ban of braids, locks and twists was started after an African American student was told to change his hair or go home.

Some students claim that rule is outdated in 2020 and is racially biased. As of Tuesday evening, the petition for a policy change sits at 72,000 signatures.

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The current hairstyle policy in the school’s student/parent handbook reads, “Hair must be its natural color, clean, neatly combed, not totally covering the ears or eyes, or falling below the shirt collar. Sideburns may not extend below the ear or extend forward toward the cheek. Shaved heads or hairstyles with designs, patterns, lines, weaves, spikes, braids, locks, twists, or ponytails are not permitted. Closely cut sides and top (military style) are permitted. Hair shall not exceed 2 1/2 inches from the scalp.”

Brother Tony Baginski, principal of Central Catholic, issued the following statement surrounding this controversy and petition:

Over the last week, I personally have reached out and spoken to dozens of students, alumni and parents of varying ages and ethnicities about our hairstyles policy. As a result of those conversations, Central Catholic will be inviting some of our distinguished African American alumni to the school for a meeting in the coming weeks. Students will also be invited to meet with school leadership and alumni. The goal of these meetings is simple: To listen. We want to hear their opinions and voices to ensure we are respectful of the cultural concerns this issue has raised. Every summer, the school administration reviews our policies for the upcoming school year. Listening and gathering information during these meetings, as well as feedback from other students, staff, faculty, and alumni will help determine if any updates or changes in policy need to be made. That said, on Wednesday morning, we informed students that the Student/Parent Handbook will remain unchanged for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. We strive to instill in our students a sense of pride, a sense of self-discipline, and ultimately a sense of community. We believe that the standards our students adhere to help prepare them for a life of success.

—  Brother Tony Baginski

But for now, the school states that the student-parent handbook will go unchanged for the 2019-2020 school year.

Click here for a visual history of the different hairstyles of African Americans.

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