Concerns rise over safety in Aberdeen schools following a serious incident.
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In a recent education committee meeting in Aberdeen, tensions flared as councillors were prohibited from discussing a serious knife incident that occurred at Hazlehead Academy. The meeting, intended to address violence in schools, quickly devolved into a heated argument over the limitations placed on elected officials regarding inquiries into the alarming situation.
Details of the incident raise urgent concerns
Last Thursday, a 12-year-old girl was hospitalized after suffering injuries to her head and face during a break at Hazlehead Academy. A 14-year-old girl has since been charged in connection with the incident, prompting calls for immediate action from local leaders.
The education committee meeting was supposed to serve as a platform for discussing the safety of students, yet many councillors felt stifled in their ability to address the pressing issue.
Frustration mounts among councillors
Lower Deeside councillor M. Tauqeer Malik expressed his frustration at the meeting, criticizing Lib Dem education chief Martin Greig for arranging the session in a manner that restricted questions. Malik stated, “We did not get the opportunity to ask questions… When I raise these things, you just start shouting at me.” His sentiments were echoed by other opposition councillors who felt similarly sidelined during the discussion.
Legal constraints complicate the discussion
The local authority’s legal team intervened when Conservative councillor Richard Brooks attempted to reference the Hazlehead Academy incident. Brooks was quickly silenced, with Lord Provost David Cameron emphasizing that the matter was under active police investigation. This restriction raised eyebrows, especially since the incident had already been publicly discussed in the Scottish Parliament. The councillors’ inability to address such a critical issue left many feeling that the safety of students was not being prioritized.
Calls for action and accountability
Malik previously advocated for the reinstatement of anti-weapons education programs that were introduced after the tragic death of Bailey Gwynne in 2015. He urged for an urgent council meeting to discuss these measures, but his request was denied due to the ongoing investigation. John Murray, a representative for Roman Catholic schools, voiced his impatience during the meeting, stating, “There are huge concerns about the behaviour of some children in schools. This is something that the education committee should be focusing a lot of time and attention on.”
Looking ahead: What’s next for Aberdeen schools?
As the meeting concluded, councillors voted to receive a report on student behaviour at the next education committee session in June. However, many remain skeptical about whether this report will adequately address the urgent concerns surrounding school safety. The situation has highlighted a significant gap in communication and accountability within the education system, prompting calls for a more proactive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of students in Aberdeen.
