Ribble Valley boy banned from class for having a beard (From Lancashire Telegraph)

The school has a rule. Pupils need to follow the rules. Parents should support the school in following the rules.

This mum is teaching her son that you only need to follow the rules when it suits you.

As long as the rule is across the board, regardless of race or religion then mum and son should abide by it!

I think in this particular case, the school is being over-zealous, but in general, the rules are there and everyone should adhere to them and support the school's attempts to instil some sort of discipline. This lad has plenty of his life ahead of him to be growing beards.

Get over yourself, Harrison.

"Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools"
.
Douglas Bader

It’s impossible to tell from the photo but just suppose he was over the average height for his age. Would that also mean that he would be banned? If he can grow a beard then let him!

have you no better news to print??

Another story where the parent is outraged at the schools stance. This is how we ended up in such a chaotic cesspool with feral youths roaming the streets. The rules are quite clear so if the parents want to encourage rule breaking, then this is why the birch should be brought back, and used on the parents. He suffers from acne does he? big deal so does every other teenager. The solution is simple, shave it off go to school, don't shave it off, stay at home.

I think he looks ok and should be allowed but as long as the rule is applied to all fairly it has to be followed or a new school found!
-
Do the teachers lead by example?

In my day you obeyed school rules and your parents also. You got a smack at school, then you'd get another one when you got home. You had a healthy respect for the Head Teacher.
The problems now have been exacerbated by political correctness and human rights. These whingy parents knowing their rights are now feeling so powerful, they are weilding them at every opportunity whether it's in the child's interest or not.
This mum obviously has ideas above her station by calling her son 'Harrison' in the first place.

Why is it ok for him to have the ear stretcher in his left ear, yet the school has to ban him for his facial hair? It sounds a bit petty to me.

On the other hand, the lad can shave it off and stop making a scene with his mum. Acne my ar$e, he can use a shaver and balm.

is it me? wrote:
As long as the rule is across the board, regardless of race or religion then mum and son should abide by it!

But we know that this is not the case all all schools!
.
. .and , Chuck, you made me smile!

This story is almost identical to one which appeared in the late 1970's regarding two boys at Darwen Moorland, which made the national papers, (I happen to be married to one of them)! I would like to reassure 'keep Darwen Green' that they did not turn into 'feral youths roaming the streets,' but are now perfectly normal middle aged (clean shaven) men! I actually think this boy looks fine,and I understand where they are coming from, but I would agree that the issue would be where to draw the line, so on balance if it was my son, I would probably advise him to shave it off.

This young man could have shaved off his beard, gone back to school, got on with what is important (his education) and regrown the beard in the school holidays. Instead of which his mother has created a storm in a teacup and made an exhibition of both herself and her son. No common sense!

is it me? wrote:
In my day you obeyed school rules and your parents also. You got a smack at school, then you'd get another one when you got home. You had a healthy respect for the Head Teacher. The problems now have been exacerbated by political correctness and human rights. These whingy parents knowing their rights are now feeling so powerful, they are weilding them at every opportunity whether it's in the child's interest or not. This mum obviously has ideas above her station by calling her son 'Harrison' in the first place.

As a close associate to this matter I would just like to confirm to you haters that the rule is ficticious, after throughly searching the rules of the school it doesnt once mention anything about beards. And in the letter they state 'Our policy has been for many years'

And regarding the quote above, I thought bullying was stilled frowned upon? Idea above her station by calling her son Harrison? So this as turned into a debate on schools equality and fairness into petty petty bullying. Maybe its possible that she like her children to be indivduals and not have the name of everybody else whose called david or James etc. And as for Idea above her station, I presume you have no idea about the fact that this family is probably well off and to finish on this comment, what gives you the right to comment on the naming of her child, Victoria Beckham today called her child Harper Seven....so be quiet because you are just a sheep, a sheep that follows the rest of the pack, stuck in a crappy office job, average hair and is called Dave or John and does everything that you are told like a little baby biatch. Its not a case of fight the man this, its a case of inequality. If 'Harry' was asian this would become a huge race issue, not only that but I bet if Harry was asian the school wouldnt have even mentioned it. In my opinion the school did speak politely and nicely but I think its the fact they dont say this to anybody else but the white children, Ive been through Clitheroe before and some of the Asian look like men with their beards, as does Harrison....so whats the big deal it's not effecting his education and it certainly shouldnt be effecting the education of others. Hopefully the school wont be rash here and make a silly decision like expelling him because that will make it a national debate!

peace-out

Beard . . so what? Ear-adornment . . H & S ???

Praise tha' lord for freedom of speech ...

What is a RULE>.

As I quote from the printed edition of this paper.

"The Ribblesdale High School Website uniform policy does not specifically mention beards. It says, "Hairstyles must be neat and tidy and avoid extremes of colour and style."

If this is the policy, then, a beard is not a "Hairstyle" and this youth's beard is neither extreme or colourful.

Once again this shows that the a schools policy is deliberately vague and open to biased interpretation by the Buffoon at the Blackboard supported by the Halfwitted Head and the Cretin in the Council.

A schools job is to teach and guide the young and such dictatorial narrow interpretation of deliberately vague rule is doing nothing to enhance the standing of this un-educational establishment.

Maybe I am wrong, and the purpose of education is no longer to "Assist young people to take their place in society with the ability to think for themselves and, heaven forfend, make a considered choice"

Rather to be obedient clones with out will and personality who must "Do As They Are Told" at all times rather than people who can innovate and add to the pith and vitality of society.

lwg76 wrote:
What is a RULE>. As I quote from the printed edition of this paper. "The Ribblesdale High School Website uniform policy does not specifically mention beards. It says, "Hairstyles must be neat and tidy and avoid extremes of colour and style." If this is the policy, then, a beard is not a "Hairstyle" and this youth's beard is neither extreme or colourful. Once again this shows that the a schools policy is deliberately vague and open to biased interpretation by the Buffoon at the Blackboard supported by the Halfwitted Head and the Cretin in the Council. A schools job is to teach and guide the young and such dictatorial narrow interpretation of deliberately vague rule is doing nothing to enhance the standing of this un-educational establishment. Maybe I am wrong, and the purpose of education is no longer to "Assist young people to take their place in society with the ability to think for themselves and, heaven forfend, make a considered choice" Rather to be obedient clones with out will and personality who must "Do As They Are Told" at all times rather than people who can innovate and add to the pith and vitality of society.

Who ever you are, Just simply well done, couldnt have put it better in any other way! People doing as there told are just sheep, again its not fight the man...its just simple independance, maybe this kid feels self concious about having not having a beard as it makes him look older or he has acne etc....either way its no ones business why he has this beard and it should really be nobody opinion whether he should keep it or not.

Independance is the key to life, no one is going to wipe your arse for you in the real world.

AND truely well said LWG76

when I read the headline i thought it was about a sikh or muslim boy. I wonder if his beard will stop him learning and get good education.

would the teacher kick out a female pupil if she had a moustache or a beard.. who makes these rules!?

We are creating a very dangerous precendent for yougsters to follow

The environment we are making them grow-up in will have wider implications.. dnt forget the environment we create is reflected by our elders and leaders but if they are corrupt and selfish what chance do the rest of us have!

School rules like any others are not mystically set in tablets of stone. They are based opinions and attitudes and they can be wrong. We used to have "rules" about women and gay people but these were challenged and changed. My common sense tells me there is no harm in how this young man looks and I can't see how it would hinder his education. It seem the application of the "rule" is doing more harm than good. Add the inconsistency that he could say " I believe in Allah" and it would be OK, then the whole sitation is just comical. Teachers are supposed to be wise, please show some grown up wisdom.

Pathetic parents. The rules are there for a reason. Keeping your son off school is a childish response. I have to shave every day I am working and it doesnt cause me any problem. Pathetic story. Pathetic people.

At least he was turning up to school.

If the school rule book says no beards - it was probably to stop old creepy dudes loitering around - like Gandalf that strange Father Christmas guy.

Please pass this on to Mrs. Cerami

http://www.greenpeop
le.co.uk/shave-kit-m
ix.aspx

"Suitable for men who may be prone to eczema, psoriasis, acne and skin blemishes"

I'm sure there are loads of products out there that he could use.

Not enough of a computer geek to be able to work out when it was updated, but sad enough to check the published uniform policy. Surprise surprise, it now states that boys should be clean shaven....
Seriously, my other half has eczema and while he also can't shave every day, he would be unable to let it get to that length as it would be agony: itching and blackheads as well as acne-like blocked pores would make it unbearable.
I'm not going to get into the rights or wrongs of the situation as I know next to nothing about the uniform policy at this school. Howver, I think this is yet another example of a dangerous precedent we are setting for our children (and theirs). If they aren't presented with rules which must be obeyed and this isn't backed up by parents, then how can we expect them to deal with following rule and regulations as adults. Whatever her own personal view of the situation, the mother should be telling him not to be so silly and to shave his face (that is by no means one day's stubble in that picture!) and get back to school. If he joins the army, is she going to back him up when he takes a stand agianst his commanding officer for insisting he is clean shaven?
What I am trying to say is look at this from the point of the bigger picture and before you lay into the school, see what the situation is saying about society as a whole and what we are teaching our kids about authority.

Sebaaas wrote:

is it me? wrote: In my day you obeyed school rules and your parents also. You got a smack at school, then you'd get another one when you got home. You had a healthy respect for the Head Teacher. The problems now have been exacerbated by political correctness and human rights. These whingy parents knowing their rights are now feeling so powerful, they are weilding them at every opportunity whether it's in the child's interest or not. This mum obviously has ideas above her station by calling her son 'Harrison' in the first place.

As a close associate to this matter I would just like to confirm to you haters that the rule is ficticious, after throughly searching the rules of the school it doesnt once mention anything about beards. And in the letter they state 'Our policy has been for many years' And regarding the quote above, I thought bullying was stilled frowned upon? Idea above her station by calling her son Harrison? So this as turned into a debate on schools equality and fairness into petty petty bullying. Maybe its possible that she like her children to be indivduals and not have the name of everybody else whose called david or James etc. And as for Idea above her station, I presume you have no idea about the fact that this family is probably well off and to finish on this comment, what gives you the right to comment on the naming of her child, Victoria Beckham today called her child Harper Seven....so be quiet because you are just a sheep, a sheep that follows the rest of the pack, stuck in a crappy office job, average hair and is called Dave or John and does everything that you are told like a little baby biatch. Its not a case of fight the man this, its a case of inequality. If 'Harry' was asian this would become a huge race issue, not only that but I bet if Harry was asian the school wouldnt have even mentioned it. In my opinion the school did speak politely and nicely but I think its the fact they dont say this to anybody else but the white children, Ive been through Clitheroe before and some of the Asian look like men with their beards, as does Harrison....so whats the big deal it's not effecting his education and it certainly shouldnt be effecting the education of others. Hopefully the school wont be rash here and make a silly decision like expelling him because that will make it a national debate! peace-out

Do your homework or I'll stop your spending money

funny how they have changed their policy since the release of this story isn't it!!!

having a beard is not going to affect his or anyone else's education, it will not effect they way the teachers will teach him!

I attended Ribblesdale and all i can say is be glad that the head is not G Ward anymore because she really was a stickler about uniform and you soon knew about it if anything was not correct!

my advice would be to simply follow the NEW rule and get over it, unless like they say give them a doctors note and put this matter to rest.

i can understand that shaving irrations but there are solutions to this go and see your gp

ladysal wrote:
Not enough of a computer geek to be able to work out when it was updated, but sad enough to check the published uniform policy. Surprise surprise, it now states that boys should be clean shaven.... Seriously, my other half has eczema and while he also can't shave every day, he would be unable to let it get to that length as it would be agony: itching and blackheads as well as acne-like blocked pores would make it unbearable. I'm not going to get into the rights or wrongs of the situation as I know next to nothing about the uniform policy at this school. Howver, I think this is yet another example of a dangerous precedent we are setting for our children (and theirs). If they aren't presented with rules which must be obeyed and this isn't backed up by parents, then how can we expect them to deal with following rule and regulations as adults. Whatever her own personal view of the situation, the mother should be telling him not to be so silly and to shave his face (that is by no means one day's stubble in that picture!) and get back to school. If he joins the army, is she going to back him up when he takes a stand agianst his commanding officer for insisting he is clean shaven? What I am trying to say is look at this from the point of the bigger picture and before you lay into the school, see what the situation is saying about society as a whole and what we are teaching our kids about authority.

Just to let you know, Harry is clean shaven at the moment and has been for 3 days and his skin is already botchys greasy and spotty, so he HAS shaven....also believe it or not that is two days stubble so be quiet, you dont know what your talking about so simmer...He has no intention of joining the army and btw in the army you dont need to shave you buffon...one minute youngster should be taught about "authority" then the next there told to express themselves and be there own person, you are clueless you hypocrite

Ribblesdale also have a no make-up, tidy hair and no skirts above the knee rules for girls, yet most of the girls who pass the window on the way to school in the morning look like hookers. Mr Smith denies this happens when challenged about it.

No wonder some teachers end up having affairs with their pupil's -
Look at him - He's Gorgeous! lol!

Sebaaas wrote:

ladysal wrote: Not enough of a computer geek to be able to work out when it was updated, but sad enough to check the published uniform policy. Surprise surprise, it now states that boys should be clean shaven.... Seriously, my other half has eczema and while he also can't shave every day, he would be unable to let it get to that length as it would be agony: itching and blackheads as well as acne-like blocked pores would make it unbearable. I'm not going to get into the rights or wrongs of the situation as I know next to nothing about the uniform policy at this school. Howver, I think this is yet another example of a dangerous precedent we are setting for our children (and theirs). If they aren't presented with rules which must be obeyed and this isn't backed up by parents, then how can we expect them to deal with following rule and regulations as adults. Whatever her own personal view of the situation, the mother should be telling him not to be so silly and to shave his face (that is by no means one day's stubble in that picture!) and get back to school. If he joins the army, is she going to back him up when he takes a stand agianst his commanding officer for insisting he is clean shaven? What I am trying to say is look at this from the point of the bigger picture and before you lay into the school, see what the situation is saying about society as a whole and what we are teaching our kids about authority.

Just to let you know, Harry is clean shaven at the moment and has been for 3 days and his skin is already botchys greasy and spotty, so he HAS shaven....also believe it or not that is two days stubble so be quiet, you dont know what your talking about so simmer...He has no intention of joining the army and btw in the army you dont need to shave you buffon...one minute youngster should be taught about "authority" then the next there told to express themselves and be there own person, you are clueless you hypocrite

Sounds like the typical teenage angst. As sung about often by Kurt Cobain and Eddie Cochron. Get used to it its called being a teenager! There aint no cure for the summer time blues, now get back to your homework, you've got exams coming up.

Keep Darwen Green wrote:

Sebaaas wrote:

ladysal wrote: Not enough of a computer geek to be able to work out when it was updated, but sad enough to check the published uniform policy. Surprise surprise, it now states that boys should be clean shaven.... Seriously, my other half has eczema and while he also can't shave every day, he would be unable to let it get to that length as it would be agony: itching and blackheads as well as acne-like blocked pores would make it unbearable. I'm not going to get into the rights or wrongs of the situation as I know next to nothing about the uniform policy at this school. Howver, I think this is yet another example of a dangerous precedent we are setting for our children (and theirs). If they aren't presented with rules which must be obeyed and this isn't backed up by parents, then how can we expect them to deal with following rule and regulations as adults. Whatever her own personal view of the situation, the mother should be telling him not to be so silly and to shave his face (that is by no means one day's stubble in that picture!) and get back to school. If he joins the army, is she going to back him up when he takes a stand agianst his commanding officer for insisting he is clean shaven? What I am trying to say is look at this from the point of the bigger picture and before you lay into the school, see what the situation is saying about society as a whole and what we are teaching our kids about authority.

Just to let you know, Harry is clean shaven at the moment and has been for 3 days and his skin is already botchys greasy and spotty, so he HAS shaven....also believe it or not that is two days stubble so be quiet, you dont know what your talking about so simmer...He has no intention of joining the army and btw in the army you dont need to shave you buffon...one minute youngster should be taught about "authority" then the next there told to express themselves and be there own person, you are clueless you hypocrite

Sounds like the typical teenage angst. As sung about often by Kurt Cobain and Eddie Cochron. Get used to it its called being a teenager! There aint no cure for the summer time blues, now get back to your homework, you've got exams coming up.

or maybe im his older brother who isnt a silly teen and think that this discrimination is disgusting

Sebaaas wrote:

is it me? wrote: In my day you obeyed school rules and your parents also. You got a smack at school, then you'd get another one when you got home. You had a healthy respect for the Head Teacher. The problems now have been exacerbated by political correctness and human rights. These whingy parents knowing their rights are now feeling so powerful, they are weilding them at every opportunity whether it's in the child's interest or not. This mum obviously has ideas above her station by calling her son 'Harrison' in the first place.

As a close associate to this matter I would just like to confirm to you haters that the rule is ficticious, after throughly searching the rules of the school it doesnt once mention anything about beards. And in the letter they state 'Our policy has been for many years' And regarding the quote above, I thought bullying was stilled frowned upon? Idea above her station by calling her son Harrison? So this as turned into a debate on schools equality and fairness into petty petty bullying. Maybe its possible that she like her children to be indivduals and not have the name of everybody else whose called david or James etc. And as for Idea above her station, I presume you have no idea about the fact that this family is probably well off and to finish on this comment, what gives you the right to comment on the naming of her child, Victoria Beckham today called her child Harper Seven....so be quiet because you are just a sheep, a sheep that follows the rest of the pack, stuck in a crappy office job, average hair and is called Dave or John and does everything that you are told like a little baby biatch. Its not a case of fight the man this, its a case of inequality. If 'Harry' was asian this would become a huge race issue, not only that but I bet if Harry was asian the school wouldnt have even mentioned it. In my opinion the school did speak politely and nicely but I think its the fact they dont say this to anybody else but the white children, Ive been through Clitheroe before and some of the Asian look like men with their beards, as does Harrison....so whats the big deal it's not effecting his education and it certainly shouldnt be effecting the education of others. Hopefully the school wont be rash here and make a silly decision like expelling him because that will make it a national debate! peace-out

National debate eh? So the parents who have been so disgruntled and upset by this minor expectation from the school have gone running to the papers with this pathetic story and now maybe want to make it a national debate??
Why is everyone after 'celeb' status nowadays?
Look Harrison - Just shave, be a big boy and get back into school, get your head down and get on with your work, this article will be chippy paper or cyber junk next week.
Mum - Make him shave, get him in school and get on with your life!
Some kids in other countries would turn up naked to school if they had to, to get an education!!

(I can't believe the 'captcha code' is 'wear-more' lol)

And while you're at it Sebaas... if he's kept at home any longer he may end up with your spelling and grammar problems!
'They're' not 'there'
'Affected' not 'effected'
I'll end with 'BUFOON' not 'buffon'
Can't be bothered with the rest.

Seems like some others were kept off school too!

is it me? wrote:
And while you're at it Sebaas... if he's kept at home any longer he may end up with your spelling and grammar problems!
'They're' not 'there'
'Affected' not 'effected'
I'll end with 'BUFOON' not 'buffon'
Can't be bothered with the rest.

Seems like some others were kept off school too!

Buffon? Maybe with his Dad being Italian he's preoccupied with Juventus' goalkeeping situation.

is it me? wrote:
And while you're at it Sebaas... if he's kept at home any longer he may end up with your spelling and grammar problems! 'They're' not 'there' 'Affected' not 'effected' I'll end with 'BUFOON' not 'buffon' Can't be bothered with the rest. Seems like some others were kept off school too!

Think you're being a bit harsh, If he has italian heritage then buffon is the italian national goalkeeper, and he has no beard, so he may have been referring to him :0) and his lack of beard

I went to Clitheroe Royal Grammar school! Fat good that did....

This story is getting really big though and it isnt for 15 minutes of fame its for justice and equality

Ian the Beancounter wrote:
"Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools"
.
Douglas Bader

Yes and then he did some low level showing off and lost his legs in the inevitable crash!

Seriously though I have seen hairier girls a school

he,s had his 15 mins of fame now get back to school its almost summer holidays grow your beard then and grow up at the same time

I think the school is being pathetic. Why would anybody want to make a boy of 15 shave is behond me.

Shouldn't the education of this boy mean more than whether or not he has facial hair? It's not as if he can set a trend is it? Most at his age haven't even seen the bum fluff.

Just what is the reason for this stupid rule. It it has been in place a long time maybe it is time to scap it and move into the 21st century. What difference does it make whether someone has a NEATLY trimmed beard. Does it affect his school work or that of others?

One more point. I thought school was supposed to be the place where tollerence was right and discrimination was wrong. How does that fit in here?

In my day, the teacher would just say you look a twxt and the class would then take the puddle. If in some weird way I had told my mum she would have agreed with school. Parents like this and newspapers who support the story should be embarrassed.

Harry looks a smart good looking guy, a credit to his school & his parents. Lets have a photo of the Head, or the complainant, so we can check this issue has not been brought about by a teeny bit of jealousy. LOL.

Beard??? It's a bit of bum fluff at best.

What next seriously?? Suspended for having a crotch like a busted mattress in the PE showers??

I was expelled from school (it's called permanent exclusion now) for refusing to shave, but I managed to be educated well enough to help this young man in the event of exclusion. To contact me for free tuition in technical subjects without prejudice to anything discussed here, key my name without spaces at hotmaildotcodotuk.

With all this publicity he should shave it off for charity.

That could now be the most valuble bum fluff in the uk, worth more than gold by weight!

Get sponsorship from the Daily Mail, which also published this story today, and leading brands such as Gillette and Wilkinson Sword.

The lad would get his ban lifted and the offending fluff removed, the charity would get a lot of money and his mother would be even more proud of him. A happy ending for all. I propose Cancer Research as the beneficiary.

There was a yound man called Michael Finnigan, he grew whiskers on his chinnigen.
Up came a wind and blew them innegen, poor young Michael Finnigan.

Seriously give him a razor, tell him its manly to shave and get him back to school.

Ian the Beancounter wrote:
"Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools"
.
Douglas Bader

And he lost both his legs by not following them.

Sebaaas wrote:

Keep Darwen Green wrote:

Sebaaas wrote:

ladysal wrote: Not enough of a computer geek to be able to work out when it was updated, but sad enough to check the published uniform policy. Surprise surprise, it now states that boys should be clean shaven.... Seriously, my other half has eczema and while he also can't shave every day, he would be unable to let it get to that length as it would be agony: itching and blackheads as well as acne-like blocked pores would make it unbearable. I'm not going to get into the rights or wrongs of the situation as I know next to nothing about the uniform policy at this school. Howver, I think this is yet another example of a dangerous precedent we are setting for our children (and theirs). If they aren't presented with rules which must be obeyed and this isn't backed up by parents, then how can we expect them to deal with following rule and regulations as adults. Whatever her own personal view of the situation, the mother should be telling him not to be so silly and to shave his face (that is by no means one day's stubble in that picture!) and get back to school. If he joins the army, is she going to back him up when he takes a stand agianst his commanding officer for insisting he is clean shaven? What I am trying to say is look at this from the point of the bigger picture and before you lay into the school, see what the situation is saying about society as a whole and what we are teaching our kids about authority.

Just to let you know, Harry is clean shaven at the moment and has been for 3 days and his skin is already botchys greasy and spotty, so he HAS shaven....also believe it or not that is two days stubble so be quiet, you dont know what your talking about so simmer...He has no intention of joining the army and btw in the army you dont need to shave you buffon...one minute youngster should be taught about "authority" then the next there told to express themselves and be there own person, you are clueless you hypocrite

Sounds like the typical teenage angst. As sung about often by Kurt Cobain and Eddie Cochron. Get used to it its called being a teenager! There aint no cure for the summer time blues, now get back to your homework, you've got exams coming up.

or maybe im his older brother who isnt a silly teen and think that this discrimination is disgusting

If that is two days stubble, then why did he need to go to the barbers for a trim?
I am very aware of the issues caused by skin problems and stubble thank you very much; I have been with a partner who suffers very badly with them for (I suspect) longer than you have been alive. Clueless? I don't think so if the amount we spend on prescription treatments for those problems is anything to go by.
If you are going to call me names, then at least make comments on things I have said: at what point do I contradict myself by talikng about the need for authority and then "expressing themselves"?
I was trying to make a more general point about authority for kids which you have hijacked with a mouthful of abuse. I'm thinking you are just a little too close to the issue (in age and family relations).
By the way, you will find (if you research it) that many army units do not allow beards for sound operational reasons and those that do, have strict rules governing how you get permission / whether you can trim them or keep them tidy. Check your facts before you spout nonsense....

Teachers and schools looking for attention again. Mind you, nearly summer holidays, we won't have to listen to them for 6 whole weeks as they'll be busy sunning themselves.

I have a son who has just left this school and a son who still attends.I take my boys every morning and witness the large groups of pupils who smoke in the back alley's of the nearby houses the swearing and spitting ,and the litter that is dropped after some pupils get their breakfast on their way to school.Some of the girls really do dress inappropriately red/purple/yellow hair really short skirts ,plastered in makeup .This is apparently against the rules but is certainly not enforced .This young man is known by one of my sons , who describes him as really nice ,he certainly looks very smart on the photograph .Mr Smith concentrate on what really matters within this school,support your staff ,give the pupils who want to learn the support they need and deal with the pupils who don't ! yes appearance is important ,this young man's appearance is fine ,good even . Behaviour and education are just as important .Facial hair will not change this young mans excellent attitude and manners .Maybe if his hair was really long in his eyes and face you would have a point.There are many boys in this school with facial hair ,are they put in isolation ? My 13 year old son is getting a moustache but is way to young to shave .I await with interest to see if he is put in isolation ,because if he is bring it on Mr Smith !

The problem here is obvious. This boy has an extremely stupid mother who is unable to grasp the fact that rules are rules and is not enough of a person to tell her precious little boy to have a shave!

Most of you lot have written a load of Crap.

I don't know but may be this lad is a Muslim and if so he has a right to grow his heir any where on his body.

May be if the So called pathetic teachers had facial heir maybe they should shave their heir off?.

Its the old saying.
"don't do what I do but do what I tell you" A load of Crap.

My granddaughters attend a secondary school where hair,uniform etc rules are clear and abided by because the consequences of breaking them are enforced by the school.Simple really.

Sebaaas wrote:

lwg76 wrote:
What is a RULE>. As I quote from the printed edition of this paper. "The Ribblesdale High School Website uniform policy does not specifically mention beards. It says, "Hairstyles must be neat and tidy and avoid extremes of colour and style." If this is the policy, then, a beard is not a "Hairstyle" and this youth's beard is neither extreme or colourful. Once again this shows that the a schools policy is deliberately vague and open to biased interpretation by the Buffoon at the Blackboard supported by the Halfwitted Head and the Cretin in the Council. A schools job is to teach and guide the young and such dictatorial narrow interpretation of deliberately vague rule is doing nothing to enhance the standing of this un-educational establishment. Maybe I am wrong, and the purpose of education is no longer to "Assist young people to take their place in society with the ability to think for themselves and, heaven forfend, make a considered choice" Rather to be obedient clones with out will and personality who must "Do As They Are Told" at all times rather than people who can innovate and add to the pith and vitality of society.

Who ever you are, Just simply well done, couldnt have put it better in any other way! People doing as there told are just sheep, again its not fight the man...its just simple independance, maybe this kid feels self concious about having not having a beard as it makes him look older or he has acne etc....either way its no ones business why he has this beard and it should really be nobody opinion whether he should keep it or not.

Independance is the key to life, no one is going to wipe your arse for you in the real world.

AND truely well said LWG76

Don't be so silly! Rules are rules and they exist in every walk of life, whether it be school or work. Let's see how this young chap holds down a job if he can't obey simple rules! If he worked for me, he'd be back on the dole faster than you can say Jack Robinson!

Graham Hartley wrote:
I was expelled from school (it's called permanent exclusion now) for refusing to shave, but I managed to be educated well enough to help this young man in the event of exclusion. To contact me for free tuition in technical subjects without prejudice to anything discussed here, key my name without spaces at hotmaildotcodotuk.

You were expelled for being the prize pill*ck that you are sunbeam....nothing more...nothing less!

Okay, this guy goes to my school and to be honest the schools only suddenly gone strict on school uniform.
A beard isnt going to effect anyones education. It seems like it's his own human rights to keep it, it feels at school like they're all trying to make us look the same and as a school they say that they want us to be unique and to show what we're really like, so them trying to make us all look the same is basically them not wanting us to be our unique selves.
Some people hit puberty early whilst others dont. I doubt Harry wants to shave his beard because it'l just grow back quicker and thicker and then he will have to waste his time shaving all the time. Also, that time he would have to spend shaving would have to come out of his time for him to do homework and to revise, which means he would fall behind.
Schools should just get a grip on other the uniform standards and shouldn't make such a big deal about it, its pathetic. Okay, sure, you need to look smart but you can still look smart with the ACTUAL uniform correct such as shirts and ties.
Even most of the teachers think it's gone way over the top with it getting this public.
If school would just let him come with a beard then he would be able to actually recieve his education instead of missing out on it like he is currently doing so!!!!

gudari wrote:

Graham Hartley wrote:
I was expelled from school (it's called permanent exclusion now) for refusing to shave, but I managed to be educated well enough to help this young man in the event of exclusion. To contact me for free tuition in technical subjects without prejudice to anything discussed here, key my name without spaces at hotmaildotcodotuk.

You were expelled for being the prize pill*ck that you are sunbeam....nothing more...nothing less!

gudari, if you had access to my personal file at school some forty years ago, tell me more - did the school know that it was me who... but you'll know, won't you?
.
I am at odds with my old school association over this matter and will appreciate any help you can give. You know what I think of you without repeating it here, don't you?