St John’s pupil declines mediation

A pupil from St John’s College in Johannesburg has declined to participate in a mediation process with a pupil from Michaelhouse after an alleged racist incident during a sports match.

An independent legal consultant investigating the alleged racism that occurred between Michaelhouse and St John’s College 1st XI hockey match had recommended mediation.

A hockey player from Michaelhouse allegedly used a racial slur against a player from St John’s College during the derby day match on 28 May this year.

This led to the cancellation of the match between the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng schools.

The alleged perpetrator was temporarily suspended pending investigation.

Michaelhouse appointed an independent legal consultant to probe the racism allegations.

In a joint statement by Michaelhouse rector Antony Clark and board chair Anthony Hewat, they said both boys had made the favourable decision to pursue a mediation process.

However, in a communique to the St John’s community on Monday, executive headmaster Stuart West confirmed the pupil and his family had decided not to pursue the mediation process. The pupil feels it would not bring the lasting personal closure he seeks.

West said an independent investigator recommended a formal disciplinary process be followed if either pupil and/or their parents declined mediation.

Michaelhouse is following this recommendation and will conduct a formal disciplinary hearing on the matter according to its disciplinary code and procedures. This will require the relevant staff and pupils from both schools to participate.

West said as an Anglican Diocesan school, St John’s is conscious of its responsibility for ensuring its words and deeds are consonant with its values and respect for human dignity, diversity and inclusion.

Clark said in a statement to his school community the school would follow the recommendation of the independent investigator and conduct a formal disciplinary process.

“Michaelhouse remains steadfastly committed to being an inclusive, nondiscriminatory school community,” he said.

Clark said the pupil was no longer on precautionary suspension.

Asked if the derby would go ahead next year, Clark said: “In the interests of all boys, both schools have agreed to a cooling-off period with regard to this event.

“It is important to both schools that the relationship, which has suffered, is rebuilt.”