The Halo Code

Posted at 3:38 pm on 23rd March, 2021

At Flixton Girls we are proud to announce that we’ve adopted the ‘Halo Code’, a code for students with Afro-textured hair.

We have embedded this code into our Equal Opportunities and Dignity Policy and our Uniform Policy for all current and future students and staff.

We believe no member of staff or any students should have to change their natural or protective hairstyle in order to thrive at our school. We hope that the Halo Code will move us one step closer to a world free from discrimination, where all members of our community have their identities fully recognised and celebrated.

The Code states: ‘Our school champions the right of staff and students to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black staff and students’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We welcome Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. At this school, we recognise and celebrate our staff and students’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on anyone's ability to succeed.’

FGS is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and students. We aim to create a learning and working environment in which all individuals are able to make good progress and best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Mrs Trussell, Headteacher posted, ‘So happy to receive confirmation that @FlixtonGS has officially become a @TheHaloCode school! Updated equality and dignity policy and uniform policy on the website and preparations are underway for a full student launch!’

Parental feedback received so far: ‘Well done, this is fabulous.’ ‘This is amazing.’ ‘Proud to have my daughter attending FGS... Amazing.’

About the Halo Collective:

We are youth-led alliance of organisations and individuals working to create a future without hair discrimination, founded by young Black organisers from The Advocacy Academy.

Race-based hair discrimination has been illegal in the UK since the Equalities Act became law in 2010, and yet it still happens all the time.

For too long, Black people have been told that our hair textures and hairstyles are inappropriate, unattractive, and unprofessional. We’ve been suspended from school, held back in our careers, and made to feel inferior by racist policies and attitudes.

Together, we are fighting for the protection and celebration of Black hair and hairstyles.

Resources are available for further information through the Halo Collective Resources and FAQ’s.