Parents protest outside St John's College. Picture: Twitter via @EducationGP
A teacher at St John’s College in Johannesburg, who was found guilty of three serious charges, including racism, resigned with immediate effect, the school confirmed on Friday.
The school apologised to the students affected, their parents, the student body, all parents, staff, alumni and everyone else for the hurt caused.
“The well-being and security of our students are our primary concern and we deeply regret the hurt this has caused all our communities. But perceptions that St John’s College condones racism and that racism is widespread are absolutely untrue,” headmaster Paul Edey said in a joint statement with the school’s council chairperson, John Patricios, and visiting bishop Reverend Steve Moreo.
“The College does not condone racism in any form. It will investigate and take action in respect of any racial issue that may arise at the school. The College emphatically rejects racism, in all of its guises. It has no place in a democratic society.”
In the joint statement, the school said that at a meeting between the school’s leadership and the teacher, it was made clear that the situation was “untenable and that the relationship had broken down irretrievably”.
It was mutually agreed that the school and teacher would part ways, and the teacher handed in his resignation.
“The decision made by an independent tribunal drew outrage, confusion and appeals for the school to reconsider the sanction from our students, parents, staff and alumni,” the statement read.
“We realised that our commitment to abide by the finding of the independent Senior Counsel failed to acknowledge that this was not just an internal school issue, it is an issue for the broader community.”
St John’s College said that it had noted the comments and concerns expressed by former and current students, parents and staff around racism and said it would strengthen its transformation efforts.
“We understand that at St John’s College we need to continue to examine our own perceptions, beliefs and motivations, especially in relation to challenging and difficult issues such as racism, bigotry, sexism, homophobia, misogyny, privilege and entitlement.
“St John’s is committed to transformation and to producing young people who will contribute and aid in the much-needed work to build an inclusive society based on democratic principles of human dignity, non-racialism and non-sexism.”
Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the decision to fire a teacher at the college.
A statement released by the department reads: “The MEC had earlier on Friday visited the school and held a meeting with School Management Team in which he expressed his disappointment and unhappiness following the decision to retain the teacher, even after he was found guilty following a disciplinary process.”
Gauteng education department head Edward Mosuwe, St John’s College council chairperson Dr John Patricios and visiting bishop Reverend Steve Moreo were also present at the meeting.
The geography teacher was found guilty of three charges: contravening the South African Council of Educator’s (Sace’s) code of conduct, making racist and derogatory statements and for bringing the school into disrepute following an internal disciplinary hearing.
But he was initially only given a final written warning, was removed from senior positions he held at the institution and received a pay cut.
Lesufi said during the visit to the school, the final written warning was unsatisfactory considering the seriousness of the charges and the charge of guilt against the teacher.
“All schools, whether they are public or private, cannot have codes of conduct that contravene the constitution of South Africa. We will deal with racism decisively and not give racists space to breath because nonracialism is non-negotiable,” the MEC said.
The education department said a summit would be facilitated in September to deal in detail with all issues affecting private and independent schools in particular. The date for the summit will be announced in due course.
Some parents protested outside the school on Friday morning.
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