Codes of conduct at schools must reflect the values of the Constitution
1 September 2016
Any allegations of racism and discrimination are taken very seriously by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). When we became aware of the Sans Souci Girls High School matter, our officials immediately went to the school to investigate. This investigation is continuing.
There are two main areas of concern which need to be dealt with in different manners.
The first is that learners at the school have alleged that the schools’ code of conduct is discriminatory. They are reportedly unhappy about the dress code that bars “exotic hairstyles”, among other issues, and that they are allegedly prevented from speaking their home language at all while in school uniform.
Secondly, there are also some serious allegations about the actions of some individual teachers.
The individual actions are still being investigated as a priority and I will receive the report as soon as it is finalised.
In the meantime, I have discussed the matter with the chair of the governing body. He advised me that none of these issues have been raised by the learner representatives on the governing body at any stage, and that there is an open door policy where any matter of concern can be discussed.
He has committed to convening an urgent SGB meeting next week where they will do whatever is necessary to ensure that issues of concern are discussed and suitably addressed.
SGBs determine dress codes as part of their codes of conduct, including hair styles. All stakeholders are represented on the SGB, including learners and parents. I would like to urge them to take their responsibilities seriously and use this forum to its full effect.
Codes of conduct have to reflect the values of the Constitution. The current national debate is a good opportunity for school communities to reflect on this issue.
I am therefore calling on all schools in the Western Cape to review their Codes of Conduct to ensure that they are in line with the values of the Constitution, and representative of the School Community. I will be asking my Department to formally issue a circular to this effect.
If it is true that learners are discouraged from speaking any language other than English while in uniform “to make other people feel included”, this is unacceptable. It is the right of individuals to speak in their language of choice. Obviously for school lessons this is not possible, but in any other respect there is no reason to justify this practice. It would in fact be a golden opportunity for English speakers to learn other languages so that they can feel included. It will also assist in building a more cohesive society.
We need to build a society where all cultures are respected and valued, whilst still maintaining discipline and a sense of pride in oneself and ones’ school. It is sometimes a difficult balance, but one that must be found.
Issued by Jessica Shelver, Spokesperson to Minister Debbie Schafer, 1 September 2016
