School suspends pupils over hair

TIGHT haircuts have landed a number of students in a disciplinary tangle at Limerick’s all-boys diocesan secondary school.

Boys have recently been handed two-day suspensions at St Munchin’s College as their shaved hair did not comply with school rules on hairstyle.

The rules include a stipulation that boys should not have their hair cut less than a “blade three” length.

One student said: “There are lads who have their hair down their backs and it’s dirty and greasy and nothing is said. Others use blonde streaks. And this seems to be allowed. I have been suspended for my short hair. My hair is very neat and tidy and I’m not doing anyone any harm. And my hair costs money to keep it neat.”

A spokesman for St Munchin’s College said they do not discuss disciplinary matters with any persons other than parents.

He said: “However, the rules were sent to the parents and pupils at the start of the year and it states quite clearly what is and is not acceptable.”

One parent said: “It must does not make sense to suspend students for something so minor.”