Teachers at a Fiji secondary school have been warned of disciplinary action for involvement in a recent class boycott by students.
RKS students perform a traditional meke during the school celebrations of its achievements in 2018. Photo: Ministry of iTaukei Affairs
The education ministry said it was forced to close Ratu Kadavulevu School in Tailevu last week after about 100 students boycotted classes over differences with their principal, Arvind Prasad.
Education Minister, Rosy Akbar, said she had learned some staff at the school incited the students to stage the protest.
Akbar warned any staff found to have been involved would be severely dealt with.
"That is something that we will not tolerate as staff include teachers and other staff employed by the Ministry of Education," Akbar said.
"So far, 16 students are indefinitely suspended for breaching the Student Behaviour Management Policy."
Prasad who started as principal of the school in January has been relocated to another school at his own request, the minister said.
Education Minister Rosy Akbar, Arvind Prasad and deputy Education Secretary Timoci Bure. Photo: Fiji govt
The school's Old Scholars Association said while it supported the ministry's decision to relocate the principal, it did not agree with the suspension of students.
Its president, Alivereti Yaya, told Fijivillage the principal had involved police in matters the students wanted to be dealt with internally.
The school's Student Council claimed claimed food shortage complaints were never addressed.