The Court of Appeal has ruled that Kensington Primary school in St Catherine breached the constitutional rights of a child with dreadlocks, when it denied her access to the institution.

The then five-year-old child was denied access to the school in 2018 when her parents refused to cut her hair.

The school board had contended that it was justified in its decision, because it was found that such a hairstyle harboured lice and other infestations.

Her parents, Dale and Sherine Virgo, filed a lawsuit against the school.

In 2020, the supreme court dismissed the case, on the basis that no constitutional right was breached.

An appeal was filed, on the grounds that the three judges who heard the matter in the Supreme Court, erred in their decisions.

The court of appeal agreed.

In handing down its ruling, the court found that the child’s right to freedom of expression and the right to equitable treatment by a public authority were violated.

Defence attorney Isat Buchanan told irie f-m news that the Virgo family is pleased with the appellate court’s ruling.

Mr. Buchanan said the court ruling underscores the importance of afro Jamaican identity, and related humane treatment.