Student sues school over hair color

Japan has a reputation as being a society that demands conformity: All college graduates seeking jobs should wear dark suits to job interviews, women are expected to cover their mouths when laughing, and many schools require students to wear the same uniforms, shoes and have haircuts that meet school regulations.

In Osaka Prefecture, an 18-year-old girl is suing her public school for mental anguish and other damages. She alleges she was forced to repeatedly dye her naturally brown hair the standard Japanese black, suffering mental and physical damage as a result.

She was asked to dye her brown hair black every one or two weeks. From the second term she was ordered to dye her hair every four days. The effects of the repeated dying on her hair were damage to her scalp and hair, rashes and mental anguish.

Discussion: 
What rules did your school have about personal appearance? Do Homework
In general, what might the educational benefits be of having students wear uniforms and adhere to rules about their appearance? Do Homework
Discuss your ideas about conformity vs. individuality. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each? Do Homework