KINGSTON, Jamaica — Child advocacy group Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) says it is offering free legal assistance to parents and guardians of students who have been barred from graduation ceremonies because of school grooming policies.

In a statement on Tuesday, the organisation said the move comes amid increasing reports of students being excluded from graduation activities over appearance-related issues, including hairstyles, grooming standards and other non-academic factors.

FWCF expressed concern that such decisions may unfairly affect vulnerable students and could conflict with principles of fairness, children’s rights and due process within the education system.