Post Seventh Day School row, schools unite to keep communal differences at bay

After a Class 10 student’s murder in Ahmedabad, school administrators of the city have united to ensure no religious discord arises among students.

To avert communal differences among students, principals and school administrators will ensure harmony on the campus.

On August 19, a Class 10 student of the Seventh Day Adventist School in Khokhra, was stabbed to death by Class 8 student.

In a meeting chaired by Ahmedabad (city) District Education Officer (DEO) Rohit Chaudhari, some school administrators raised concerns that certain parents have been demanding that transfer certificates (LCs) be issued to students of other religions. 

The principals and administrators unanimously decided to avoid discrimination in admissions, dismissals, or any other matter regarding caste or religion. 

In a bid to preserve unity and harmony among students, schools decided to foster mutual respect and a peaceful environment through festival celebrations, academic activities, and interactions among students.

During the meeting with the DEO, some important guidelines were noted:

• Ensuring staff presence at the school gate until students have boarded their vehicles to home.
• Assigning separate entry and exit gates with security staff at each points for primary and secondary students.
• If required, separate school timings for primary and secondary students. 
• Teachers should receive training in student counseling, and each class should appoint a ‘peer’ to listen to and address the concerns of students.