KINGSTON, Jamaica — Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) has called for the immediate resignation of the principal of Ascot Primary School following reports and video evidence received by the organisation concerning the treatment of students during the school’s recent graduation ceremony.

Reports indicate that some grade six students were barred from donning caps and gowns because they did not meet the required academic qualifications, based on their Primary Exit Profile (PEP) scores. The controversy erupted during the ceremony when some students were instructed to wear their standard school uniforms, while classmates who reportedly achieved higher PEP results wore full regalia.

Parents also allege that the affected students were made to march behind their gown-clad peers and were seated at the back of the graduating class.

READ: Graduation apartheid

In a statement on Thursday, Fi We Children Foundation described the practice as discriminatory, harmful and contrary to constitutional principles of equality, dignity and the best interests of the child.

The advocacy group said it has also reviewed a conversation sent to the principal prior to the graduation ceremony in which a concerned parent pleaded with Principal Mark Jackson to reconsider the decision. The parent expressed concern that the practice would have a significant negative impact on the affected children’s mental and emotional well-being, noting that children learn differently and should not be publicly distinguished or shamed based on academic performance.

In response, the principal reportedly stated that the situation was “a hard pill to swallow” but maintained that the approach would encourage the child to continue working assiduously.

FWCF said it rejects this rationale.

“Publicly differentiating children based on academic achievement at a milestone event serves only to stigmatise those who may already be facing educational challenges. Schools have a duty to foster inclusion, celebrate every child’s progress and create environments that promote self-worth rather than humiliation,” it said.

The principal has since apologised for the incident, but noting the seriousness of the incident and the apparent disregard for the concerns raised before the ceremony, the advocacy group is calling for Jackson’s immediate resignation.

READ: I’M SORRY

Chair of the FWCF Youth Policy Committee, Sabrina Barnes said, “Educational leaders are entrusted with protecting the rights, dignity and well-being of every child. When their actions fundamentally undermine those responsibilities, accountability, not a mere apology, is required to restore public confidence and uphold children’s rights.”

“The public humiliation of children has no place in our education system. In light of the seriousness of this matter, the Fi We Children Foundation believes that the only appropriate course of action is for Principal Jackson to tender his immediate resignation,” she added.