We want JUSTICE FOR SERGIO

To: 

Knysna High School Governing Body,
Deputy Principal: Mrs Van Staden
Principal: Mr Mosdell

 

It is with great unhappiness and frustration that we serve this petition.

We believe Sergio Solomons was signed out, wrongfully accused and SUSPENDED in a situation that warrants a more balanced investigation considering all evidence. We urge the school administration to withdraw the decision on the following:

1. Sergio was acting in accordance with school rules by reporting vaping.

2. There is evidence and witnesses supporting the claim that these terrible accusations against Sergio was retaliatory.

3. Fairness and Justice require a thorough review of all facts before making disciplinary decisions.

 

With this petition, we stand united as individuals who AGREE with the rules and boundaries, but we also don’t condone INCONSISTENCY and implementation of punishment and consequences.

 

Too many times we have witnessed inconsistency regarding consequences for breaking school rules. This, sadly, does not apply to everyone.

 

We don’t agree to being silenced and victimised when voicing our concerns and opinions. This is a violation of our rights as human beings, let alone a minor.

 

We don’t agree with students being labelled and never getting the benefit of the doubt. We believe that one is never too good to be bad, also never too bad to be good. Therefore, each situation needs to be dealt with on its own merits and not just automatically assume that the “labelled” student is the guilty party.

 

 

We all form part of Knysna High yet, sadly, only certain students are believed and this very practice is dragging the school’s name down.

 

 

Even in the South African justice system, you are INNOCENT until proven guilty, yet in some cases (Sergio’s case) you are prematurely labelled as the guilty party.

 

 

We can not allow Sergio Solomons to be unfairly sketched as a predator, by:

 

 

(a) wrongfully being accused of touching girls inappropriately 

(b) manipulating students into saying they fear being around Sergio, when this is not the case.

 

 

(We have written a poll to prove that the contrary but on presentation of it, we were told to throw it away)

 

 

With all said, we also request:

 

 

1. Consistency with implementation of consequences across all genders, races and teachers. 

2. No suspension without trial and proven evidence

3. Not to victimise any student when they’re standing up and voicing their concerns on what they believe is right. 

4. In each incident, the school must differentiate between intent and innocence behind actions.