Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, has declared that she will not tolerate students attacking teachers, emphasizing that those caught on camera in a recent classroom incident will face suspension and potential expulsion.
Following an investigation into the incident, which resulted in a viral video showing a teacher attempting to separate two fighting students, Parag announced that the involved students have been suspended while the inquiry continues. She stated that the findings could lead to expulsion, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.
Parag addressed the media, stating, “We have a zero tolerance policy against violence and indiscipline that will be strictly enforced.” She clarified that the handling of each incident will be done on a case-by-case basis, but reiterated, “I am absolutely not going to condone a student hitting a teacher. Teachers are there to ensure that students are learning, and schools must enforce rules and regulations.”
The incident has drawn attention to the persistent issues of violence and bullying within schools. In the viral footage, the teacher was seen trying to break up a fight when she was attacked by one of the girls involved and several other students.
In response, the Ministry of Education has recently launched a campaign aimed at combating bullying and violence among students and young people. Parag emphasized the need for collective efforts from government, educators, and the community to tackle these issues effectively.
“We are taking a zero tolerance approach to any kind of violence,” she stated, highlighting the need to address conflicts between students, whether in the same school or across schools. “My goal is to drastically reduce bullying and its associated violence, and I will work wholeheartedly on this for the next five years,” she added.
Today, Parag visited the Zeeburg Secondary School in Region 3, where she addressed another incident involving a student being bullied by a group of boys. During this visit, she conducted a special assembly to clarify the Ministry’s stance on bullying and violence, ensuring that students understand the importance of a safe and respectful school environment.
