An MLA has called for a “thorough investigation” at a Belfast school which reportedly advised three Muslim girls not to return ‘in the interest of their own safety’.
The three pupils haven’t been back to the Belfast Model School for Girls since an alleged assault there in November.
Complaints were made to police about the incident, which is now being investigated.
There were claims online that schoolchildren were being targeted by Muslim girls. The school later described the online claims as inaccurate.
Others say one of the girls was defending herself when the alleged assault happened.
North Belfast DUP MLA Brian Kingston said a “thorough investigation” is needed.
“I am aware that the Belfast Model School for Girls has been dealing with a number of incidents of alleged bullying since the start of this academic year,” he said.
“This matter came to a head with a physical incident between some pupils on November 12 which is being investigated by the school, the Education Authority and also the PSNI.
“It is important that these relevant authorities continue to carry out a thorough investigation in order to get to the truth of what has occurred.”
The north Belfast MLA urged the public not to speculate about the matter online.
“It is not helpful to have speculation promoted on various forms of media without full access to the facts,” Mr Kingston said.
“The school has emphasised that pupil safety is their top priority. It is important that appropriate action, including disciplinary action, is taken in response to any proven incidents of bullying which must not be tolerated.
“I welcome that the vast majority of pupils have returned to school and I would urge all pupils to be in school, in the interest of their education.
“The school has been ethnically diverse, with girls from different faith backgrounds, for many years and that will continue to be the case.”
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BBC News NI reported that Girls Model advised the children not to return to the school “in the interest of their own safety”.
In a statement the school’s board of governors said it is continuing to work with the Education Authority (EA).
“Whilst we cannot discuss individual students, we remain firmly committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment where all students are happy, learning, and succeeding,” it continued.
“We would ask the local community for their support so that we can continue to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff.”
The EA confirmed it was “working closely” with the school, saying staff “from a range of services” are providing “specialist advice and support”.
“The priority is to ensure that all pupils feel safe and welcome to attend school so they can continue to learn in an inclusive environment.”
The alleged assault led to over 200 parents and residents holding an anti-bullying protest at the school.
Following that protest, school principal Paula Stuart said she was “limited” in what information could be given as a result of the police investigation but warned “misinformation” being spread has the “potential to negatively impact” pupils.
She also confirmed “no knives were involved” in the alleged incident.
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News Catch Up – Wednesday 4 December