Parents yesterday gathered in front of the Graham’s Hall Primary School in Cummings Lodge to protest for justice on behalf of a teacher, Shawn Marshall, who was assaulted by a parent of a pupil on Wednesday.
Teachers of the school also stood in solidarity with their colleague.
Approximately 15 parents staged the protest yesterday at the school to signal their deep concern over what took place on Wednesday.
One parent described Marshall as a kind teacher who made sure homework and school work was sent to parents via a group chat in case the children missed anything due to unforeseen circumstances.
Ena Simon, a parent of two children at the school and who also has a niece and nephew attending, told Stabroek News yesterday that parents are defending Marshall because they want justice for him. She said it is very unfair for him to be treated that way because he’s a kind person and she was very upset about what happened to him.
When this happens, who will teach their children? She asked, while expressing concern that some parents are not looking at it that way. She noted that Marshall would go the extra mile for children. Simon related that the teacher would give free lessons to children. Also, during the COVID-19 period, he would send school work, as well as provide homework and lessons to a group that was created for parents. Further, if any child missed anything due to being sick or other circumstances, the parents are supplied with the information.
Simon emphasised that parents don’t want this to happen in this school or any other school and as such the protest is for Marshall to get justice. She referred to another assault that occurred in a city school and asserted that this is what parents are trying to prevent from occurring in other schools – parents assaulting teachers.
“I want justice for Sir Shawn because it’s unfair what happened to him.”
Simon explained that according to Marshall’s version of the incident, he was paying for lunch in the food area where he saw a little girl trying to force her way through. He scolded her by saying, “That’s not the way, you need to ask for a pass or say ‘please excuse me.’”
The little girl’s father apparently was very upset upon hearing what Marshall said and responded with, “I won’t let my daughter apologise to no one. (Expletive) you!”
Marshall said he didn’t answer him right away, however after the father continued to carry on, he answered him, they had a confrontation, and the father hit teacher.
General Secretary of the Guyana Teacher’s Union, Coretta McDonald, said that Marshall will be away from work for a period because of a fractured shoulder and he will need to have counselling because he is traumatized at the moment as a result of what happened.
McDonald said that this protest has assured her that parents will always be on the lookout for not only children, but teachers too. She disclosed that the union has suggested that when parents behave in such a manner, they should be barred from entering the building. Also, depending on the circumstances, the child should be transferred from the school.
The general secretary acknowledged that there will be the criticism that they are transferring the problem from one school to another, but insisted that parents must face the consequences of their actions.
She is not sure what action will be taken by the Ministry of Education in this matter but is certain that the union will be calling on the police to take action.
The Ministry in a statement on Wednesday had “expressed grave concern over the incident. Whatever the circumstances, it is a reprehensible and ghastly act. It is unacceptable and will not be condoned in the least,”
While details of the incident are yet to be disclosed, the police have confirmed that they are investigating the assault.
The ministry has underscored that schools are considered a safe space and any act of violence is deemed unacceptable.
“When parents or guardians are engaged in violent acts against teachers, it goes against established values, norms, and expectations. We cannot beat teachers and then ask them to teach our children peaceful conflict resolution,” the MoE added.
The MoE has assured that it will take all appropriate action to ensure that all teachers continue to work in a safe and secure environment, including prohibiting violent parents or guardians from having access to school premises, and transferring any learner whose parents commit acts of violence on teachers.
The Guyana Police Force or any institution or authority is encouraged to take whatever action the law prescribes.
“Parents or guardians are reminded that in any instance where an incident occurs with a teacher, the matter must be brought to the attention of the head teacher or teacher in-charge of the school or institution,” the ministry stated.
