The Jamaica for Justice has put out the Following Release:
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| Mickel Jackson |
JFJ CALLS FOR REINSTATEMENT OF ST. JAMES HIGH STUDENT AND GREATER ADHERENCE TO SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Thursday, April 25, 2024 – The recent incident at St. James High School again calls into question the arbitrary use and abuse of power and authority by some school leadership around student conduct and disciplinary actions. It also raises serious cause for concern around how schools are governed and accountability mechanisms.
Firstly, if what is reported in the media is true, JFJ finds no merit in the grounds for the disciplinary action to begin with. What it raised was the need for ongoing age-appropriate comprehensive sexual education for students without shame and moral judgment. Secondly, the decision to bar the students from school, effectively expelling them, breached their right to education as well as the fundamental principles of due process as outlined in the Constitution of Jamaica. The Education Regulations 1980, which were effected pursuant to Section 43 of the Education Act sets clear framework regarding how expulsion in schools are to be done. Reports that the principal's decision was reportedly based on moral judgment rather than established guidelines is of grave concern and ought to be condemned. By circumventing the board, despite the Education regulations, there was no transparent consultative decision-making process and the students were also denied their right to appeal any disciplinary actions imposed.
We strongly denounce the handling of this entire situation by both the school administration and the education ministry in light of the parents’ account that they pursued their intervention to no avail. Apparently, an attempt for some resolution only came after the matter was raised in the media. The lack of transparency and communication in handling the situation, as highlighted by the parents' accounts, is troubling. It is imperative that educational institutions and relevant authorities prioritize open dialogue and fair procedures in addressing disciplinary matters.
JFJ also understands that one of the girls remains out of school. The leadership of the Ministry of Education is urged to address this injustice with haste. While we understand an investigation is ongoing and the Ministry awaits a report from the institution, it is imperative that the child unable to enrol in school as a result of this incident is assisted expeditiously to mitigate their disenfranchisement.
This incident underscores the necessity for reform within the legislative and regulatory framework governing education, including the Jamaica Teaching Council Act which is currently under review. The current regulations need greater clarity in addressing instances of non-compliance of board governance, frequency of meetings and their constitution. It is very troubling that the board was seemingly defunct and they did not fulfil their obligations as outlined in the varying legislation.
Furthermore, this underscores the urgent need for educational institutions to implement inclusive policies and provide a safe and supportive environment for all students. By addressing the underlying biases and prejudices within the education system, we can work towards creating a more equitable and accepting society where every student feels valued and respected.
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1 comment:
JFJ" who are they, who appointed them to speak on everything in the country?
Jamaica has become a lawless society, because a large percentage of our people think the have a right to do what ever, when ever.
Teachers are getting attacked by students and their families.
Students should be able to wear what they want , in school ,display what ever hair style they wish, and then we wonder why we have a lawless society. Look at what happened there in kingston, all these schools involved in a running battle, I do not hear the jfj condemning any of that, students killing each other I do not hear any condemnation of that, or perhaps those students are not jamaicans.
Gangsters do not think twice about shooting our police officers, I don't hear anything from jfj on those matters. But I don't blame jfj alone, I blame the mainstream media who runs to these people all the time and ask for their opinions.
Jfj is fast becoming like , blm black lives matter.
We are murdering each other at an alarming rate.
Over 1300 people being murdered each year for the past 3 or more years, but I do not see them standing on the podium shouting justice for all those jamaicans, or perhaps those people are not jamaicans.
RM
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