EXPEL PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL RACIST STUDENTS

Recently, a shocking, horrifying and disgraceful video started doing the rounds on social media and has even made international headlines. In the video, learners can be seen keeping Black learners in a cage on school premises whilst roleplaying a Slave Auction. The alleged racist learners can be heard "bidding" on the Black learners and the word "SOLD" is even shouted. The video is difficult to watch and is a strong reminder to all that the fight against the racism epidemic in South Africa is far from over.

Racism in our schools in South Africa has become a scourge that I can no longer ignore. A recent event at Pinelands High School serves as a harsh reminder of this growing issue. As a concerned individual deeply affected by this issue, I am petitioning for the expulsion of the students responsible for acting out a slave auction in an act of gross racial insensitivity. These students showed no regard for the pain and suffering caused by slavery and their actions perpetuate a culture of racism that our society is desperately trying to break away from.

According to a report published by Amnesty International, racism, particularly in educational environments, has long-lasting effects on the mental health of the victims. It not only leads to performance decline in the afflicted students but it also promotes a sense of alienation, depression, and low self-esteem (source: Amnesty International "Racism and Education: The violation of the rights of learners in South Africa"). 

Such behavior is unacceptable and can't be tolerated. Let's set a precedent to show that such racial vindictive acts in schools are not acceptable, and never will be. The urgency and importance of this issue cannot be understated. The time for change is now! Join me in demanding that Pinelands High School expels these students and takes a firm stand against racism in our schools. Please sign the petition.