This view was expressed by Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr Desrey Fox, in an invited comment yesterday on the issue of teachers at the Bishops’ High School protesting the decision of the Ministry to have a Fourth Form student return to school after having failed examinations twice.

The Minister explained that there must be a problem and it should be dealt in an appropriate manner.

“There has to be a reason for the student’s failing; but every child must be given the chance to accept education,” she posited.

The school’s policy dictates that failure for two consecutive terms by any student constitutes grounds for expulsion.

However, according to a source at the school, the teachers’ move was backed not only by the policy but also because of the impudent mannerisms of the student.

The same source also confirmed that the student is no longer at the school and the teachers have resumed work.

This newspaper understands that the student was subject to counselling in April of 2008 and consultations were also held with the student’s parents.

According to Minister Fox, the action by the teachers is one that holds the education system at ransom and such protest action, as was resorted to, is the easy way out.

In response to this, the source at the school stated the student was given a chance but continued to challenge the authority of some of the teachers, hence Monday’s action.

However, the future course of action is still uncertain as while the school recommends a transfer to another school, only the Ministry of Education has the authority to sanction this.

While the school rules are to be respected, the Ministry’s process requires the school to make a formal recommendation for removal of the child.

This newspaper understands there will be a hearing where all parties will be allowed to express their views. The Chief Education Officer will afterwards make a decision.