School rules are often a topic of debate, especially when they seem to clash with individuality. While some, like safety rules during sports, are practical, others—such as restrictions on makeup or hairstyles—can feel unnecessarily rigid, particularly for children trying to express themselves.
Farouk James, an 8-year-old Londoner with a striking mane of hair, has faced discrimination because of his appearance. Despite his success as a child model, schools have rejected him solely due to the length of his hair, a rule disproportionately applied to boys.
His mother, Bonnie Miller, views this as a violation of human rights and has launched a petition to end hair prejudice in schools. With over a quarter-million supporters online, Bonnie continues to advocate for inclusive policies, arguing that no child should be denied an education for expressing their identity.
