Middle schoolers weigh in on dress codes, specifically those that apply to hair and make-up, with a lesson that uses a 2017 case from a charter school in Massachusetts. Class members read about two girls suspended for violating the school policy prohibiting braids with extensions. They then craft a speech presenting their perspective on the school's policy.

Concepts

social-emotional learning, identity, bias, gender bias, dress codes, hair, discrimination, social awareness

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Instructional Ideas

• Launch the lesson by showing one of the many YouTube videos of the song "Hair" from the musical of the same name
• Have groups investigate the status of the CROWN Act and other regulations about the use of durags, hajibs, and wigs
• Also asks class members to investigate their school's dress code

Classroom Considerations

• Requires copies, one for each participant, of three different documents

Pros

• The lesson invites learners to consider what aspects of their identity and appearance are important to them

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.1 CCRA.W.1 CCRA.W.4 CCRA.SL.1 CCRA.SL.4