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A senior Presbyterian has criticised the spate of school protests saying that 'there is no justification whatsoever for the manipulation ofschool pupils and using them for political purposes.'
Rev Derek Poots, secretary of the Presbyterian Church's Board of Education went on to say that the protests were 'making the job of headmasters and teachers impossible' and has urged 'parents to discourage children from taking part in such action,' warning that anyone who supports such protest action 'should carefully consider possible consequences.'
The full text of Mr Poots statement is as follows:
There is no justification whatsoever for the manipulation of school pupils and using them for political purposes as is clearly the case through these series of school protests.
During the last 30 years schools have been havens of normality carrying on with their task of educating children. It is very important that this continues.
This present disruption can only have negative effects including causing division in schools, putting children at risk when they leave school without the proper authority or supervision and obviously being to the detriment of the studies of pupils.
The protests put headmasters and teachers in an impossible situation and create a spirit of lawlessness within a young and vulnerable part of the community.
In response I would urge parents to discourage their children from taking part in such protests and be supportive of those choosing not to take part. I would further ask parents along with ministers and church members to lend their support to the headmasters and teachers in their local schools.
Finally I would ask those who are encouraging such protests to consider their actions carefully along with all the possible consequences. Street protests easily get out of hand. Whatever concerns people may have they should take note of the many checks and balances within the political system and consider if there are not better ways to protest other than damaging the education system and our children's future.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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