From left: Gerrit Hickman, with his hair tied up, stands next to his twin brother Aiden on their first day in uniform.

Image Credit: Dani Hickman

SALMON ARM - Thanks to social media, Dani Hickman knows exactly when she last cut her son's hair.

It was June 14, 2010. Since then her now 13-year-old son Gerrit Hickman hadn't cut his hair until one week ago when he made the tough decision and chose the Air Cadets over his long locks.

He now sports a near-buzz cut that conforms with the male standards laid out by the Air Cadets. But that doesn't mean he believes the policy is just.

Hickman said Gerrit became very keen in joining the Air Cadets after going to an information session. As he became old enough to join, in September 2018, the long-haired 12-year-old wrote to the 222 Shuswap Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron concerning the Cadets rules, which are different for men and woman, and don't allow boys to have long hair.

"So far my hair hasn't stopped me from doing anything I have wanted to do and I really want to be a pilot. Girls can have long hair and still be in Air Cadets. I really think I should get equal treatment opportunity," Gerrit said in the email.

He was granted an exemption so long as he followed the Cadet rules that apply to women with long hair.

Hickman said she braided his hair as per requirement and Gerrit joined the local squadron.

"He absolutely loves it. He loves the discipline, he loves the friends that he's made there, he loves all of the activities that he participates in," Hickman said.

However, when Gerrit was accepted to take part in a summer training course at Albert Head Cadet Training Centre in Victoria he was informed he'd have to cut his hair.

Hickman and Gerrit wrote to the Shuswap Air Cadets and the Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan.

A string of emails went back and forth over several months then on June 4, Gerrit received the news he'd have to cut his hair to be accepted at the camp as per the policies and regulations.

Hickman said it was a tough ethical decision, but Gerrit bit the bullet and headed to the salon.

Gerrit couldn't speak to iNFOnews.ca as he's currently at the camp but Hickman said her son is not happy he's been forced to cut his hair under a policy he feels is unjust and goes against the cadets' own principles.

"He's not just wincing to contest a rule he doesn't like," Hickman said. "Even though he cut his hair he feels the need to see a more logical response than, 'this is the policy, cut your hair.'"

"Gerrit believes that the Air Cadets policy would be better served by a policy based on long and short hair rather than the female and male hair regulations. We both feel that that this is the direction our society is moving in and are hopeful for a future where gender equality is no longer a concern for anyone," Hickman said. "If having their hair pulled back in a braid or a bun is a standard of excellence for young women then why can't it be the standard for young men? Are young women somehow being held to a lesser standard of excellence?"

Hickman also points out the policy goes against the Cadets own policy that states "there will be no artificial barriers developed which preclude participation based on gender, race, culture, religion, education, socioeconomic status or ability," and that it appears out of line with the Canadian Human Rights Act that states "all individuals should have an opportunity equal with other individuals."

Hickman said she's unsure what Gerrit's next step will be and where he will take the issue, and ultimately the decision is his.

Quoting L.R. Knost, Hickman said, "It's not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It's our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless."

Before and after, Gerrit Hickman visits the salon.

Image Credit: Tani Hickman

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