‘We are defending our children’: Parents challenge suspensions, calling for CCTV at Co Antrim school

Parents of 19 boys suspended from Lisburn’s Laurelhill Community College have called for an internal investigation using CCTV footage relating to alleged incidents at the school.

The parents have also asked the Education Authority (EA) to step in directly, saying they are “defending our children” as fellow pupils come forward with eyewitness accounts of what took place.

The male students were suspended for one day on January 9, following an assembly. The school principal raised concerns about “toxic masculinity” amid what was described as the perceived “intimidation” of female substitute teachers.

A group of parents, now representing all 19 boys, have given permission for a spokesperson to comment to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The spokesperson said:

“The initial reason (January 8) given for 19 suspended students, all male, in one assembly was, in the principal’s words, behavioural issues — laughing, being disruptive, making noises. The term ‘toxic masculinity’ was forced upon parents and mentioned for the first time on Monday, January 12.

“The 19 male students have never been accused of causing any harm, intimidation, sexual intent or malicious behaviour towards female students or teachers. As parents, we know our children are not angels and may misbehave, laugh or giggle. However, they do not, under any circumstances, abuse, threaten or intimidate female teachers, as is evident in recorded parent-teacher interviews.

“We are simply defending our children. We would ask for public support and for people to be mindful not to make assumptions or label these children.

We are aware of the sensitivities surrounding this issue and fully support appropriate punishment, both in school and at home, for negative behaviours.”

A number of fellow students who were not involved but were present at the assembly have also contacted the LDRS, expressing claims of “unfair” suspensions.

They allege that “girls were also laughing” during the assembly, but only boys were suspended.

The LDRS has also seen an official letter from a parent to the school’s board of governors raising concerns about their son’s “emotional and mental wellbeing” after being made to feel like a “villain”.

The parents’ spokesperson added:

“We would also wish to inform the public that approximately eight students recognised their immaturity may have caused hurt, so the boys took it upon themselves to locate their principal in a busy corridor to apologise.

“During parental communications, the principal first stated that she felt intimidated by these actions, but now claims the boys did not approach her to apologise and that, if they had, she would have accepted the apology. We would appeal to the board of governors to investigate the use of corridor CCTV.

“Many of the 19 boys are now fearful about attending school. They are stressed and worried. While the EA states and promotes open communication, we look forward to hearing from them at some point regarding this matter.”

The LDRS contacted the school and the board of governors, raising the parents’ request for CCTV footage to be reviewed. The EA subsequently provided assistance in responding to media queries and confirmed that an official review of all matters at Laurelhill Community College will take place.

An EA spokesperson said:

“The EA has been advised that a series of meetings with parents have been taking place. Issues of this nature are best resolved within a school community, rather than through public commentary.

“It is therefore important for pupils, parents/carers and schools to be given the space to work through difficult issues. We will continue to provide support to the school in maintaining a welcoming, safe and respectful environment for all pupils and staff.

“We can confirm that the board of governors will be carrying out a review into this matter.”