Education Minister Fayval Williams
The Ministry of Education is again cautioning school administrators and teachers against using denial of access to education as punishment.
The advice comes in the wake of a story in The Sunday Gleaner which cited a possible lock-out of students at Jonathan Grant High School who carry schoolbags branded "Dunce".
Dr O'Neil Ankle, Principal of the Spanish Town based school, said the prohibition had already been communicated to students and parents.
Education Minister Fayval Williams, for her part, has observed that school administrators and teachers need to apply corrective actions consistently and prudently in accordance with laws and established best practice in education.
Mrs Williams said the age-old practice of denying access to education as punishment is not only counterproductive; it is illegal.
She is reminding school leaders that parents and guardians must be engaged regarding matters pertinent to the interests and development of their children.
The word 'Dunce' has been a hot topic since breakout dancehall artiste Valiant released his smash hit song Dunce Cheque late last year.
Critics say the song, with the lyrics "back a di class me n'ave no subject", sends a negative message to the country's youth, especially at a time when a high percentage of students are falling behind academically.
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