Police in Bath, Somerset, are investigating an incident that took place at a secondary school in the city where it is alleged that seven white pupils held a mock slave auction, where a black student was tied to a lamppost, whipped and called racist names. The students at the centre of this were expelled, but the school’s board of governors has allowed three of them to return to classes prompting outrage in the press. The as yet unnamed headteacher originally expelled three of the alleged perpetrators, four others were suspended for two weeks.
The school released a statement saying: “[The allegation] involved a group of established friends and related to a single incident of unacceptable behaviour within the school grounds. A full investigation was instigated in line with both internal school procedures and Department of Education requirements, including contact with the police. You can be assured that the school has taken this incident exceptionally seriously and that our absolute priority was, and remains, that the right path is taken for all those involved as well as the wider school community. Given the ongoing police investigation and the need to protect all those involved, you will understand that it has been necessary to maintain confidentiality and consequently that the school does not wish to comment further.”
A police spokesman said: “We were made aware of an incident at [a school in] Bath, on January 22, which took place around lunchtime. Enquiries are ongoing and the school is assisting. Six boys have voluntarily attended a police station and another has agreed to voluntarily attend.”
Many newspapers have picked up on the story with readers concerned at the short length of punishment handed out for such a serious allegation. Should schools be doing more to discourage racist and homophobic bullying by handing out tougher punishments? Are two weeks really enough of a punishment for the nature of the alleged incident? We’d love to know your thoughts, message us on Facebook or Twitter with your views.
