Sarra Brown, a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, has stepped forward with allegations that her 11-year-old son, Cameron Murray, who suffers from alopecia areata, was compelled to remove his cap while at Westview K-8 school. Brown expressed her frustration, stating, “I’m going to be very honest I was angry,” upon receiving a call from Cameron last Thursday detailing the incident.
Brown questioned the motives behind the teacher’s directive, particularly as the teacher in question does not instruct any of Cameron’s classes. She further disclosed that her son was subjected to profanity during the encounter, leaving him feeling dejected. Cameron habitually wears caps to school due to his alopecia condition, for which he possesses permission, and has done so consistently throughout the academic year.
Alopecia areata is a medical condition characterized by hair loss, a challenge Cameron has faced since the age of seven. Brown emphasized the emotional toll such incidents inflict, particularly as Cameron has endured bullying from fellow students, some of whom have forcibly removed his cap in the past.
Statistics from the National Institute of Health, last updated in 2017, underscore the prevalence of bullying among children with alopecia, with 23% reporting such experiences. Brown underscored the seriousness of the situation, expressing concerns about the potential psychological impact on her son, fearing the onset of depression or further adverse outcomes.
Calling for accountability, Brown stressed the importance of professionalism among educators, asserting, “Anyone that works around children, they need to be able to maintain a professional demeanor at all times.” She urged swift action to address such incidents and prevent their recurrence, emphasizing the need to safeguard students from both physical and emotional harm.
