‘Abusive Bullying’ of Fish Hoek High School Students Condemned

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it « unequivocally » condemns the «abusive and racialised bullying allegedly directed at learners of Fish Hoek High School on Monday».

Some students at the school were apparently so traumatised by a diversity course they attended – about racism and faith – that they needed counselling afterwards.

DA National spokesperson, Cilliers Brink, said in a statement on Friday afternoon:

« The demonising of people, particularly of children, on the basis of race has absolutely no place in our constitutional democracy. It is also completely unacceptable that teachers were barred from the compulsory “diversity course” where learners were allegedly abused, and that learners were prohibited from leaving the room or raising objections.

« Genuine and constructive conversations about diversity will never succeed if they are conducted in an environment of bullying, » said Brink.

The DA says it welcomes that the “diversity courses” have been suspended by the Western Cape Government.

« We will also urgently engage the political leadership of the province with an eye towards holding accountable the individuals responsible, and abolishing courses used to bully and racially indoctrinate learners.

« No learner should ever have to go through this type of bullying at the hands of adults and the DA will take swift corrective action, » said Brink.

The statement did not give further details on exactly what the bullying entailed. A video of the incident which was being shared on Twitter has since been removed.

According to activist Richard Wilkinson, « what happened at Fish Hoek this week has happened at dozens of schools across the country since June 2020. I call it #schoolcapture ». He said the department needs to take a close look at the « CRT debacle » referring to the Critical Race Theory training which has been taking place at some schools. Some schools are apparently ‘forced’ to implement the training, and to foot part of the bill.

Parents wrote on Twitter that « there are no race problems at this schools, The kids are doing just fine and don’t need this indoctrination. »

One parents said: « My kid is at the school, and the session was nothing short of child abuse with a distinct, vile taste of woke bullkak. Unfortunately no one was brave enough to start a walk out, this is what should have happened. Fortunately the kids could see through the clear agenda. »

The agenda, according to some is « Public humiliation of white children, promoting self loathing, and pushing inherited guilt. »

However Wilkinson says that although it’s a « large part of #schoolcapture – it’s not the whole story. »

He says: « I have spoken to many black teachers and parents who have been absolutely devastated by what has happened.

« This isn’t about race. It’s about ideology. It’s about woke bullies vs everyone else.

In a message to parents on Tuesday, school principal Steve Joubert said:

« Yesterday’s Diversity session evoked a very strong reaction. I am currently in a series of meetings with the relevant stakeholders within WCED. Our pupil Diversity process has been put on hold pending a review of the events and outcomes. Therefore, there will be no pupil process for now as planned.
As previously explained, the Diversity process was driven by WCED. Staff were asked not to be present to create a neutral environment. WCED had a psychology team present in the session to support our pupils.
I have requested counselling support from WCED to assist our pupils in dealing with the impact. The counsellors have been at school since this morning to support our pupils.
I would like to assure you of our firm commitment to the wellbeing of our pupils. »

He encouraged parents to submit their feedback.