Marianne Compere '26
In an era where self-expression and individuality are increasingly valued, many students at Fontbonne Hall Academy call for a crucial decision regarding the dress code and handbook: whether to allow students to color their hair in other colors that are not considered “natural.” As our school continues its proud tradition of fostering young women’s growth and development, many members of our community believe that it is time to revisit this long-standing restriction.
Current discussion among students and faculty centers on how personal expression through hair color aligns with Fontbonne's mission of developing confident, capable young women. “Self-expression is important, especially for the age that we are in,” says Carolina Quinones ‘26, a third-year student at Fontbonne. She says, “Expressing creativity, discovering things and who you are, and what you like and dislike, are important aspects for the growing mind.” Many students have expressed that hair color has no impact on academic performance or their ability to embody the school’s values of excellence, respect, and leadership.
The benefits of allowing colored hair extends beyond personal expression. In today’s professional world, many successful companies embrace diverse appearances CVS removed their policy against colored hair in 2022 (Zippia 2022), most likely to promote inclusivity and diversity.
Tech giants, creative agencies, and even traditional corporations are becoming more accepting of individual expression. By adapting our policy, Fontbonne would better prepare students for this evolving landscape while maintaining its commitment to excellence and professionalism.
As Fontbonne continues to prepare young women for leadership roles in an increasingly diverse world, this policy change could demonstrate trust in our student’s ability to make responsible choices about their appearance while upholding the values and academic excellence that make our school exceptional.
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