Schools in Great Britain warned not to ban minority pupils’ hair styles

Equality and Human Rights Commission says girls and boys with afro-textured hair or hairstyles were disproportionately affected by discrimination. Photograph: Andrew Fox/Alamy

Schools are being warned not to penalise or exclude pupils for wearing their hair in natural afro styles, as well as braids, cornrows and plaits, in new guidance intended to prevent hair discrimination.

Britain’s equality watchdog has said school uniform and appearance policies that ban certain hairstyles without allowing for exceptions on racial and religious grounds are likely to be unlawful.