27 June 2014
Court Undermines Values and Principles of Schools
Family First is slamming a decision by the High Court to overturn a St John's College school decision to set a hair
standard, labelling it as disrespectful and setting a dangerous precedent.
“Schools are working hard to instill values, discipline and respect in their students and they should be allowed to
develop policies and rules to the benefit of the whole school community – not just the rights and demands of one
student,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ
“Where does this stop? Can pupils now challenge for the right to have piercings all over their face, or to wear mufti
rather than uniform? Are tattoos now allowable? Will we see similar challenges in the armed forces and the police?”
“This decision smacks of politically correct human rights nonsense – especially ‘children’s rights’ - and shows a lack
of respect to the role of authority and values of a particular school,” says Mr McCoskrie.
“The actions of the school were reasonable and were not disproportionate. If parents don’t like the values of the
school, they should challenge the rules through the Board of Trustees which is basically a group of parents anyway, or
go elsewhere.”
“We would encourage the school to appeal this decision, on behalf of many other schools who call for adherence to school
rules, discipline, tidiness, and standards of dress in their schools.”
ENDS