JFJ hits out at school decision to bar students with 'Dunce' bags

 

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is concerned that the immediate banning of the backpacks branded "Dunce" could result in children being denied their right to education.

 

JFJ's Executive Director of Mickel Jackson explains the bags would have to be replaced and this will come at an economic cost to parents.

 

She says parents who are unable to afford a new bag may choose to keep their child at home.

 

According to Ms Jackson, while there is a need to maintain certain socio-cultural norms and values in society, the immediate response cannot be to bar students from school compounds.

 

She was reacting to the stance taken by principal of Jonathan Grant High School, Dr. O'neil Ankle, to prevent students wearing the backpacks from entering classrooms.

 

"He maintains that his position perhaps would be to prevent the child from entering the classroom until the parent arrives. That is also something that we will not be in support of," Ms Jackson insisted. "In that regard, allow the child into the classroom, continue his or her learning until the parent is engaged, because what we are doing is that we are interfering with a child's constitutional rights to education."  

 

The JFJ head was a guest Monday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106FM.

 

Ms Jackson said there needs to be life skills and empowerment sessions at schools to help students and parents.

 

 

The Ministry of Education on Monday cautioned school administrators and teachers against using denial of access to education as punishment.

 

It has recommended alternatives, including engaging students in conversation about the appropriateness of their behaviours, choices and consequences; convening of motivational sessions with children and empowerment sessions with parents; and giving reasonable time for corrective action or for the desirable behaviours to be demonstrated.