Crieff High pupil says bigotry rife at school
Teenager’s allegations follow survey of pupils
Fifth- year pupil Anna De Garis has claimed racism, sexism, sexual assault and harassment, homophobia and transphobia are “rife” at Crieff High School and that not enough is being done to tackle the issues.
The 16- year- old bravely took the decision to publish an open letter with the support of her family after compiling an online survey of some of her peers in a bid to provide evidence to back up her allegations.
Her letter states: “I have witnessed far more aimed at others and it’s clear to me that racism, sexism, sexual assault and harassment, homophobia and transphobia are all rife and, through the school’s inaction, are also being normalised for many.”
Crieff High School’s headteacher John Donnelly has since stressed the school takes allegations of discriminatory behaviour “very seriously”.
Perth and Kinross Council has said an investigation is under way and support is available to pupils.
“The school needs to create an environment where everyone can feel safe to be themselves, safe to call-out bigotry and safe to stand-up for themselves and others.”
This is one of the powerful messages contained within an open letter written by Crieff High School pupil Anna De Garis.
Shared on social media on Sunday, the fifth-year pupil claims racism, sexism, sexual assault and harassment, homophobia and transphobia are “rife” at the school and that not enough is being done to tackle the issues.
The 16 year- old bravely took the decision to publish the letter with the support of her family after compiling an online survey in a bid to provide evidence to back up her allegations.
Anna’s survey – something she said was carried out “to give us, the pupils, something tangible to hand to senior staff” – received responses from just under 15 per cent of the school’s 600-pupil roll.
Featuring replies from across all year groups – with the highest number, almost 40 per cent, in S5 – it found that almost a quarter of those who took part said they had “directly experienced” racism at school, with just over 44 per cent directly experiencing homophobia, just over 55 per cent sexism and just under 34 per cent sexual harassment or assault.
The figures for the respondents who said they had “witnessed” racism, homophobia, sexism or sexual harassment or assault were 77, 77.9, 72.4 and 39.1 per cent, respectively.
The letter states: “During my time at Crieff High School I have personally experienced sexual assault, regular sexual harassment and frequent racist abuse.
“I have witnessed far more aimed at others and it’s clear to me that racism, sexism, sexual assault and harassment, homophobia and transphobia are all rife and, through the school’s inaction, are also being normalised for many.
“The school has been made aware of this by many pupils over the years but I’m not sure parents and the wider community are aware of how bad things are.
“Also, from speaking to my peers, I see that the people who have faced any difficulties feel seriously let down by the school and its staff.
“People are scared to speak up as they worry they will be bullied for doing so and that making complaints may also limit opportunities for them within the school.
“Many feel like there is also no point in speaking up as the school is unlikely to do anything. This is my own experience too.”
The letter continues: “I felt there was a need to clearly illustrate that there are serious issues, that students are struggling and that huge change is needed.
“I am not the only person who has dealt with and been harmed by bigotry and discrimination at Crieff High School, the answers to my form have made that incredibly clear.
“I am also not the only person who has felt completely ignored by staff either.
“Crieff High School is not a diverse place. However, I believe this gives parents and the school an even greater responsibility to educate kids before they go out into the world with harmful attitudes.”
It continues: “The staff I have spoken to seem to have a knowledge gap in terms of many of these issues, as well as an unwillingness to face them head on and adopt an attitude of zero tolerance.
“The school needs to create an environment where everyone can feel safe to be themselves, safe to call-out bigotry and safe to stand-up for themselves and others.
“The school needs to listen to and support students in their complaints, as well as have clear policies which enable them to back up the victims of bigotry and discrimination with decisive action.
“Punitive measures alone will not work, education is key here and the school has an incredible amount of work to do ...”
It is understood a meeting was held with headteacher John Donnelly on Monday, something which Anna’s mum, Kristie, told the Herald she felt went “poorly”.
In a statement, a Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “An investigation is under way and so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.
“However, Perth and Kinross Council takes all allegations of harassment, discrimination and bullying extremely seriously and will always work to support pupils who raise concerns about these issues with us.
“We would always encourage children, young people and their parents or carers to report any incidents of bullying.”
I’m not sure parents and the wider community are aware of how bad things are