by Imran Ali, Express

A five-year-old boy has been sent home from school because of his hairstyle.

The situation has left the boy's family feeling that they were discriminated against, while the school's principal maintains that he is open to dialogue.

Keith Dick, principal of Rosary Boys RC School, Park Street, Port of Spain, asserted that "groomed" hair styles for the school's pupils were mandatory.

Kervan Aaron began classes there on September 2, wearing his long hair in a single plait, according to sister Lee-Ann Aaron.

Lee-Ann said Dick sent them a letter advising them that, in accordance with the school's rules, Kervan's hair needed to be cut.

She said when Kervan returned to school the next day without his hair having been cut, he was sent home.

Dick confirmed yesterday that Kervan had been sent home because of his hairstyle.

He pointed out that since last Tuesday he requested a meeting with the boy's guardians to discuss the matter, but no one showed up to meet with him up to yesterday.

Dick said Kervan's guardians were told of the requirement when they sought to register him at the school prior to September, and that it was agreed that Kervan's hair would be cut.

Lee-Ann told the Express that Kervan's mother, Roxanne Aaron, who was out of the country, did not want to give permission for his hair to be cut.

Dick did not want to say if Kervan would be allowed back to school, saying instead that he would wait for a meeting with the boy's guardians before a final decision was taken.