GEORGE NEWS - York High School is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and was in the middle of its Golden Extravaganza Show - stretched over the last two weeks - when an unfortunate incident came to light.
A cellphone video of a Grade 12 learner using an American racial slur went viral last week. The video, recorded by another learner on the schoolgrounds, drew widespread attention.
The school acted swiftly and immediately addressed the issue in assembly, as well as in a letter to the parents, acknowledging the hurt that the video has caused. Counselling support was offered, and the learners were allowed to hold a silent anti-racism protest on Monday 25 August.
On Tuesday morning, some Western Cape Education Department (WCED) district officials and the principal, Francois Moll, met with the EFF at the department's district office to discuss their concerns.
During Tuesday evening's performance of Golden Extravaganza, Moll acknowledged the difficult time the school was facing and noted that he had been approached by the press for comment. "I can't comment on the matter, but if I could, I would give the press the words of this song," he said before the performance of I Am Your Child by Barry Manilow.
Restorative measures
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the WCED, says the school is currently planning various restorative measures and programmes to address the issue of racism and inclusivity.
"The actions of the learners do not reflect the values and ethos of the school. The school immediately took action. The learner has been suspended and will face a disciplinary hearing. The school will now address the matter in terms of the necessary disciplinary procedures and restorative measures. Racial prejudice and discrimination has no place in any of our schools."
In a letter to the parents, Moll says York High stands in full support of its black learners. He confirmed that a disciplinary process began as soon as the school was informed of the incident and assured the parents that appropriate action would follow due process.
"Through the RCL [representative council of learners], the Transformation Committee and other groupings in the school, we always take action against racist, homophobic, misogynistic comments and behaviours when they are reported to us. Indeed, in trying to inculcate an atmosphere of kindness and mutual respect, these matters are completely against the ethos of the school."
- The first four verses in the lyrics of Barry Manilow's I Am Your Child, co-written with Marty Panzer:
I am your child / Wherever you go / You take me too / Whatever I know / I learned from you / Whatever I do / You taught me to do / I am your child / And I am your chance / Whatever will come / Will come from me / Tomorrow is won / By winning me / Whatever I am / You taught me to be / I am your hope / I am your chance / I am your child.
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