An Australian school has sparked uproar after banning students from having the popular mullet hairstyle.
The mullet, in which the hair is grown long at the back of the head and shorter on top and at the front, is seen by many as a typically Australian haircut - the country even hosts its own mullet-themed festival.
But it appears to have gained a mixed reputation, with some bars refusing people with a mullet entry in recent months.
And the Mater Dei school in Perth appears to be the latest institution to wage war against the popular haircut.
The school is reported to have sent a letter to parents telling them not to come to school with a mullet, which "is seen as an extreme hairstyle"
The letter, shared to Reddit, adds that the mullet is "not in keeping with the personal presentation of a Mater Dei student.”
“If your son currently has this style, please ensure this is rectified by the start of Term 3.”
The letter sparked debate online, with one commenter calling the ban "class war" and "anti-Australian."
But others were more supportive. One user commented: It‘s fairly standard for a private school to regulate hair and uniform. The parents know this when they sign up
Mater Dei headteacher Annette Morey said that the school's strict dress code aims to foster a sense of "unity" and "belonging".
She told local outlet Perth Now: "We encourage students to strive for personal excellence in all aspects of their education, including the way in which they present themselves."
