The former principal of James Ruse has spoken to parents over the use of overtly racist language, including the N-word and students being called “slaves”.
The former head of the state’s top selective school has laid bare the extent of racial discord within the highly competitive institution in a speech to parents, saying students of South Asian descent were referred to by the N-word and called “slaves” while other parents have been threatened with violence.
Despite Powell telling parents racist language was increasing, an Education Department spokeswoman said there had been one incident of racist language recorded by the school in the past year and those students had been counselled. Powell stressed that racist incidents among students could usually be easily resolved but said she was “shocked” by the behaviour of parents.“I’ve heard from some people that they have felt excluded at this school. I’ve even heard that from prospective parents. So a couple of years ago, prospective parents said to me ‘these particular social media groups, we can’t engage in them because they’re in a different language to the one we understand’.
Since those emails were sent in October, Powell said she had since learnt of more concerning behaviour from parents.She said that included threats of physical violence while some parents had been “frightened to volunteer at events and in the canteen”. In a statement, Powell said in her time as principal she was proud to lead a school that promoted inclusion and did not tolerate racism.
Incoming principal Matthew Dopierala is expected to have to address the racism and parent issues at the school, which is referred to as the “jewel in the crown” of public education in NSW.
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