Racist incident occurs at local school

Reddam House Helderfontein has confirmed that one of its learners has been expelled for using a racial slur.

The incident occurred in late August when a 17-year-old learner was overheard using the k-word during a soccer match between children and support staff of the school. The learner was suspended pending an investigation into the incident, which was launched immediately. After a disciplinary hearing was conducted by a senior committee at the school, the learner was expelled.

“The committee was unanimous in their decision and the student was asked to leave the college with immediate effect,” said Colleen Traviss-Lea, principal for Reddam House Helderfontein in a statement released to Fourways Review.

Traviss-Lea refused to give more specific details about the incident but did say it had saddened the school community and that those affected by the incident had been offered counselling.

“Nothing can be more hurtful and damaging in our society today than racism and we will not tolerate any form of it in our schools.”

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