Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic students Carlos Adams, 22, (right) and Damien Weekes, 24, perusing the most recent copy of the polytechnic's Handbook for Students given to them last August. (Picture by Risée Chaderton- Ames.)

THE FIVE MALE STUDENTS of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) barred from classes because of dreadlock hairstyles are questioning why there is nothing in their student handbook on hairstyles.

Two of the affected men, Carlos Adams, 22, and Damien Weekes, 24, who spoke to the SATURDAY SUN yesterday in The City, said there was nothing in the handbook which spoke to their hairstyles. They showed Page 3 of the handbook which states:

"The SJPP appreciates and values diversity in all forms and does not discriminate on the basis of race; sexual orientation; nationality; religion; disability; ethnicity; political orientation; colour; social status or family background."

However, the same handbook states that rules and regulations of the SJPP could change at any time without public notice.

"The SJPP reserves the right to alter, without notice, any of the regulations and policies stated in this publication," it is stated on Page 3.

On Page 8 of General Information under (a) Code of Conduct, it states:

"All students are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct found in the Disciplinary Policy and Procedures Manual. This is issued to students on registration. Student compliance with the code will be monitored by all staff."

Public relations consultants for the SJPP, JER Associates, said there was no further comment to make on the matter.

The five students from the electrical, electrical engineering, micro- electronics and refrigeration, and the engineering departments are at the completion of the first year of their two-year programmes and were told they must present letters from the Rastafari movement to show their dreadlocks were religion-related, in order to attend classes.

(KB)