Gov't to implement guidelines for school grooming amid debate over tattoos on students

The government has announced plans to implement clear policy guidelines governing hairstyles and grooming for all public schools.

Education Minister Ruel Reid, who made the announcement, says the new guidelines will be in place for the start of the next school year.

The move comes amid a public debate about whether persons with tattoos should be allowed in the classrooms.

Speaking during an interview with the Jamaica Information Service yesterday, Reid pointed out that under existing regulations, there is no specific policy dealing with issues related to hairstyle and personal grooming.

As a result, he says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr Maurice Smith is to hold a series of consultations on the matter with the various stakeholder groups islandwide and report back to him by March next year.