The college confirmed that a disciplinary process regarding accusations of racial stereotyping and passing derogatory comments by a senior staff member had been concluded. It stated that it welcomes the ruling on racial stereotyping, condemns bigotry and recommits itself to transformation.
An independent senior counsel presided over the hearing in February.

The staff member has been found guilty of serious misconduct and was issued with a final written warning as per the senior counsel’s ruling.  The member of staff has also resigned from the senior position he held at the school, which will result in a cut in salary and benefits.

According to the school, the senior counsel found that while the staff member was guilty of serious misconduct, there were mitigating circumstances which did not warrant dismissal.
The college would not disclose what these mitigating circumstances were, as disciplinary hearings are confidential. According to the school, the staff member has since apologised unreservedly to the schoolchildren and parents.

“We are happy to finally have the matter resolved. We appreciate the patience demonstrated by everyone, our staff, our learners, parents and the larger St John’s community, which allowed us to conclude the inquiry in an independent, fair and objective manner,” said St John’s headmaster, Paul Edey.

“We are embarking on a journey of reconciliation and opening up conversations where the voices of students and staff may be heard.

“Facilitated conversations involving our parent body have begun and we look forward to involving our Old Johannian community, especially those who were disillusioned by their experience at St John’s. “Through these conversations, we aim to build a truly South African school very much committed to the national process of healing and growing a unified nation.”

Source: Rosebank Killarney Gazette