Education Ministry intervenes in grooming case at McGrath High

By Kimone Witter    

 

The Ministry of Education has intervened in a grooming policy infraction at McGrath High School in Linstead, St. Catherine which was highlighted by a student in a viral video circulating on social media.

 

In an update Monday, the ministry said it was reviewing preliminary data from ongoing assessments under the investigation launched last week into the viral TikTok video.

 

In the TikTok video, the student indicated that he was locked out of the institution due to his haircut.

 

According to the Ministry of Education, a preliminary report from the school said the student arrived late and was cautioned about both his tardiness and his haircut, which did not comply with the school's regulations.

 

The school said despite being instructed to stay in a designated area while his parents were contacted, the student reportedly left the school compound.

 

The school further stated that efforts by the principal to direct the student and others back inside were met with non-compliance.

 

The student posted a subsequent video claiming that despite getting a haircut, he was sent home by school administrators because of the initial video.

 

The ministry says, through its Regional Office, it has been assessing the issue and will be meeting with the student, his parents, the principal, and other involved parties to discuss the situation.

 

It says these meetings are part of efforts by the ministry to ensure all stakeholders are adhering to the established protocols, while also prioritising the educational needs and well-being of the students involved.

 

Chief Education Officer Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle has emphasised that these incidents are not taken lightly and while the ministry is committed to upholding school policies, it must ensure that all actions are carried out in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of both student and staff.

 

The ministry has committed to providing further updates on completion of its investigation.

 

 

But the Ministry of Education is again being called on to set out clear guidelines on grooming in schools.

 

Policy, Advocacy and Research Manager at Jamaicans for Justice, Jade Williams, said the issue must be categorically addressed, as it continues to resurface. 

 

"I do think we need to address it. If it is that we can put it aside in our mind so that we can address some of these bigger issues, then sure. But I think since it has continued to be, even from when I was at school, continued to be such a matter of importance for school administrations, it must be something that the ministry puts some clear guidelines towards and some compelling action from the individual institutions to enforce these guidelines," she suggested. 

 

Ms. Williams said she cannot support the disregard of cultural expressions to access services which are the right of Jamaicans. 

 

"I think it is time for us to really examine why it is that we hold such a strong stance on these things, why we have such a negative perception of Afrocentric expression, why it is that we continue to look towards more puritanical ways of dressing and uniformity rather than moving with our cultural times. So I do not think that it is a matter that should be ignored," she stressed. 

 

She was speaking Tuesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106FM.