Cape Town - Fish Hoek High School has suspended its pupil diversity process after outrage was expressed by some parents.
The school has been in the headlines since May 2022 after an incident in which a teacher made use of racial slurs during a lesson.
The teacher’s use of the terms sparked outrage, prompting several students to express their personal experiences of discriminatory and racist behaviour and attitudes at the hands of teachers and other learners.
In May, anti-racism protests were held by the learners to draw further attention to the matter, which they said was much larger than the particular incident in question, and that the issue was systemic in nature.
In a statement by the school on Tuesday, principal Steve Joubert said Monday’s pupil diversity session had evoked a strong reaction, with the process subsequently placed on hold pending a review of the events and outcomes.
Joubert said the process was driven by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), and that staff were asked not to be present in order to create a neutral environment during these sessions.
A team of psychologists were present in the sessions to support learners, Joubert said.
“I have requested counselling support from the WCED to assist our pupils in dealing with the impact,” Joubert said.
Education MEC David Maynier said it had suspended the intervention at Fish Hoek High School, based on concerns raised by some parents regarding the content of the training and the manner in which it was communicated and managed.
“I understand parents’ concerns and frustrations, and we are taking this matter very seriously. A review of the training content, and the manner in which it was managed and communicated, is under way. Once the process has been finalised, an outcome and way forward will be determined.”
Maynier added the district support team would be providing assistance to any learners who require support.
The Fish Hoek High School School governing body had referred queries to the WCED for a response.