A parent at Marist College in Auckland say the school needs to meet with families and address accusations of racism at the school.
About 30 students and some of their parents protested outside Marist College in Auckland after Black Lives Matter posters were taken down at the school. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
Students say there has been no apology for how the school dealt with Black Lives Matters protests there.
About 30 students and some of their parents protested outside the Auckland school this morning.
They are unhappy that Black Lives Matters posters were taken down and they say students are being isolated after speaking out.
Students say they were asked for their social media passwords and wifi was suspended.
A parent, Maria Marama, said families want to meet with the school and its board, not just the diocese, to address racism.
"Working with families to get something right for the students, particularly in terms of the racism that exists in the school," she said.
"It is clear from what the kids are doing today that not only is it about Black Lives Matter for them, but also about other things that need to change."
Students say they are upset at not having a voice at the school.
In a leaked recording of an assembly, school principal Raechelle Taulu can be heard saying it is her who took down the Black Lives Matters posters.
Student Tatenda Chivasa said there was no apology, only a defence of the school's actions.
"It was pretty disappointing, and kind of heartbreaking because we've leaned on the school for support and love as they preached all the time for four years. And it's just really sad to hear our school fall apart like this, and knowing that that trust is kind of broken," she said.
"I don't think they're handling this professionally, turning off the wifi from personal devices, taking people's Instagram passwords, telling them they can't post anything.
"Not apologising at assembly was just something else, and defending themselves instead of apologising - that offended a lot of people, when I came out people were just really upset. Not allowing parents to talk to the board, or email - that was just out of hand too."
Students and some of their parents protested outside Marist College. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
Her mother, Ketina Chivasa, said the school was downplaying the matters raised and she had found it impossible to speak to the school principal or board.
"When they come here for those six to eight hours at school we expect them to be safe," she said. "We don't believe our children are safe at the moment and for the ones who spoke up and who put the posters up, they are now being socially isolated around the school because they spoke up - so the moment you stand for the truth, you will stand alone. So that's why we [parents] said no girls 'You're too young, and we want to help you to carry this burden'."
Concern raised about 'unsubstantiated allegations made against staff by students'
In a statement, the school said its Board of Trustees and senior management had met to discuss the issues raised in the media.
"We agree that our students have every right to be heard and to explore and express a range of views," it said.
"However, we need to ensure in a school environment that this is done appropriately and with respect for everyone.
"Over the last week, senior management have set up several ways to support students to discuss and learn about racism in our world, as a school and as a Catholic community. We are currently working through issues raised with the students and their families. We do not consider that it is in their interests for us to make any further comment at this time.
"We are extremely concerned that unsubstantiated allegations have been made against Marist College staff by students to the media. We have policies and procedures in place which allow any members of our school community to raise concerns. These processes ensure that there is compliance with natural justice and that there is an opportunity for staff to respond."
