Education

With regard to a recent incident at the Westerford High School in which a learner was allegedly suspended for having a poster that supports Palestine:

(1)     Whether he is aware of this incident; if so, (a) when did he become aware of it and (b) how has he intervened in the matter;

(2)     whether the learner with the poster has been suspended; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details regarding the suspension, (b) when is the scheduled disciplinary hearing and (c) what charges have been filed against the learner;

(3)     whether he plans to initiate an investigation into the incident at the Westerford High School to ensure that the school is adhering to the appropriate code of conduct and other relevant policies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4)     whether learners and Western Cape schools are prohibited from voicing support for oppressed people in any international conflict; if so, what are the relevant details;

            (5)       what steps will his Department take to ensure the protection of learners’ freedom of expression and the diversity of opinions at                           schools in the province?