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Toxic masculinity' incident at school points to deep, systemic issues: union

NASWUT notes 'serious concern' for Lisburn college after 19 suspended

ABDULLAH SABRI

A teaching union has warned that concerns of "toxic masculinity" that a Co Antrim school are part of "deep, systemic issues" at play.

It comes after 19 boys at Laurelhill Community College were suspended for a day on account of "intimidation" towards female teachers.

The principal of the Lisburn-based school confirmed that some substitute teachers subsequently refused to work at the school due to the issues.

The BBC reported an email from the school's principal, Nicola Stevenson, to the parents which said "disruptive" behaviour had "resulted in a number of substitute teachers refusing to teach in the school and a number of female teachers being upset to the point where they have had to go home".

A Spokesperson for the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT)'s NI branch suggested the issues are deep-seated within the college.

'The NASUWT notes, with serious concern, the recent report regarding the suspension of 19 pupils at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn," the union's NI national official said.

"The union is fully supportive of our members, who are having to deal with a very difficult situation. The account from the school principal, detailing substitute teachers refusing to teach, and female staff being left so distressed they had to leave work, is a stark indicator of a climate where staff wellbeing and the right of all pupils to learn are being fundamentally undermined.

The NASWUT said it was committed to supporting teachers' right to work in a safe environment and urged the Education Authority (EA) to provide "urgent" support to the school.

It added: "The scale of this incident points to deep, systemic issues. The school is grappling with complex behavioural challenges and needs support from parents and the Education Authority.

"The NASUWT calls directly on the EA to provide urgent and substantive support to Laurelhill Community College and to all schools facing similar crises.

"We stand ready to work with the EA. the department and school management to ensure these rights are protected and that our schools are fully supported in their vital work."

A spokesperson for the Education Authority said 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." they said.

The EA added: "We can confirm that the Board of Governors will be carrying out a review into this matter."

Local SDLP councillor Pat Catney conveyed his surprise at the incident.

Mr Catney condemned the reports of the behaviour from the schoolboys and said there should be "zero tolerance" concerning the abuse of women or girls.

He added: "Everyone should be en- titled to be able to go into their work-place and be respected. And children should be taught with respect."

An official complaint has been made to the Laurelhill Community College's board of governors against the principal's actions.

The complaint has been made by parents in relation to Ms Stevenson's disciplinary actions which saw the suspension of the pupils following an alleged assembly incident on January 8.

Laurelhill Community College were contacted for comment.