Many parents and students have spoken out about their Afro-textured hair being singled out by teachers in school

School bans on Afro hair are most likely illegal according to the equalities watchdog.This comes after reports of students being singled out and sent home due their Afro-textured hair.TheEquality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)'s new guidance state that rules on certain hairstyles such as cornrows, plaits and braids are likely to be illegal if exceptions on race aren't made. However the guidance will not affect government policy.In 2020Ruby Williams - who was 14 years old at the time - took her school to court after teachers told her her hair went against uniform policy and could block the view of other students.Some students have also come out to say that they had to miss their picture day because of hair discrimination.

 The chief regulator at the EHRC, Jackie Killeen, said in a statement: "Discrimination based on hair can have serious and long-lasting consequences for victims and their families.

"As Britain's equality regulator, we want to put a stop to pupils being unfairly singled out for their appearance in schools.

"That's why, after working closely with experts and those directly affected, we are launching these practical resources to help school leaders understand the law in this area and prevent discrimination from happening."

She added: "Every child deserves to be celebrated for who they are and to thrive in school without having to worry about changing their appearance to suit a potentially discriminatory policy."

Founder and CEO of World Afro Day, Michelle De Leon, added that the guidance is "an important step towards ending hair discrimination".