Rasta parents want private schools to respect their choice

Read storyRastafarian parents claim private schools are being unconstitutional by trying to restrict what their children can wear.

Ursula Wells, 35 and her husband William Bain, 45 are raising three children. The couple is concerned because many private schools in New Providence will not admit their children unless they conform to the school's uniform policies.

The pair is reluctant to make use of public schools, which will not refuse them. But they worry about the level of violence and limited opportunities at government-run schools.

Education Director Lionel Sands said that private schools are permitted a form of discrimination - refusing children based on dress - something that public schools do not do.

There are 162 public schools in The Bahamas and 91 private schools. About half of the private schools are attached to a church.

-Tribune