Braids, Locs, and Afros: Exploring the Political Discourse of Black Girls' Nappy Hair at School

• In Event: Social Justice Leadership as a Necessary Component to Public Education

Abstract

I present a critical discourse analysis of primary and secondary school dress code policies by examining the social power, dominance, and inequalities experienced by Black girls as it relates to the ideals influencing such policies and the corresponding behaviors enacted to enforce them. It is grounded by Black Feminist Theory (BFT) to provide a foundation and lens to examine and make sense of Black girls’ experiences related to their intersectional identities of Black and female, as well as to analyze the broader related policy discourse. As a result, healthy philosophical debate around the purpose of dress code policies, are stimulated, and the intent to achieve a particular environment within schools, at the seemingly unintended expense of certain populations, are challenged.

Author

• Jantina N Anderson, Indiana University - Indianapolis