The Australian Islamic College in Rooty Hill threatened 13-year-old student, Billal Zraika with expulsion unless he cut his afro hairstyle. The Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales Deputy Executive Director, Michael Carr said most non-government schools have parents sign a school policies agreement, prior to enrolment. “Enrolment of a student indicates acceptance of the conditions and agreement that these will be complied with,” said Carr. “Parents expect that their school will uphold the policies and conditions that were agreed at the time of enrolment, and it is unreasonable to demand that an exeption be made simply because one changes their mind at a later stage”. Mazen Zraika, father of Billal Zraika is taking the Australian Islamic College to court over the treatment of his son who was ordered away from the school earlier this year until he cut his afro hairstyle. Principal Yasmin Gamieldien told the family the hairstyle was deemed a “mop” and needed to be cut. Zraika says Billal, who is of Lebanese and Ethiopian descent, was being unfairly punished for his natural type. “His mum Mary is Ethiopian so it's not his fault he's got the fuzzy hair,” said Zraika. “They said it's a mop hairstyle but that's something Zac Efron has.” The Zraika family claim that Billal was forced into “isolation” and kept away from classmates while being told to “catch up” on schoolwork he'd missed during his time away from school. The teenager has had a crew-cut in order to avoid expulsion. Details of any court hearing are as of yet unknown. BM
