Rasta students' rejection 'degrading', 'violation of human rights' – Clinton
Legal counsel Amanda Clinton has described the Achimota School’s refusal to admit dreadlocked students as “degrading treatment”.
According to her, the human rights of the two students in the middle of the storm, have been violated.
“As confirmed under section 28(4) of the 1992 Constitution, no child should be deprived by any other person of education or any other social benefit by reason only of religious or other beliefs”, she said.
“Not accepting the boys into Achimota School because of their dreadlocks is degrading treatment which is also frowned upon under article 28(3) of the 1992 Constitution,” Ms Clinton noted.
She further disclosed in a statement that she has been engaged by one of the students’ father regarding the issue, adding that she hopes that Achimota School will reconsider its decision.
“I can confirm that I have been retained by Mr Rasward regarding Achimota School’s refusal to admit his son Kwaku.
“Although negotiations are strained at the moment, we do hope that the Ghana Education Service and Achimota School will reconsider and admit Kwaku and his colleague, who is also Rastafarian by religion,” she stated.
Ms Clinton further indicated: “International precedent regarding similar type cases, particular in the U.K, have consistently gone in favour of Rastafarian students when such matters have gone before the court, and that is with the caveat that the hair must be neatly tied back and be under a head covering in colours approved by the school”.
She continued: “Should Achimota School and Ghana Education Service not consider accepting the boys on the basis of an acceptable head covering; it is likely that this matter will be submitted to a more formal forum on the basis that the boys’ human rights have been violated”.
Read the full statement below:
STATEMENT BY LAWYER AMANDA CLINTON REGARDING ACHIMOTA SCHOOL'S REFUSAL TO ADMIT 2 RASTAFARIAN STUDENTS
I can confirm that I have been retained by Mr Rasward regarding Achimota School’s refusal to admit his son Kwaku.
Although negotiations are strained at the moment, we do hope that Ghana Education Service and Achimota School will reconsider and admit Kwaku and his colleague who is also Rastafarian by religion.
Achimota School rules are ultimately subservient to the 1992 constitution of Ghana.
International precedent regarding similar type cases, particularly in the U.K have consistently gone in favour of Rastafarian students when such matters have gone before the court; and that is with the caveat that the hair must be neatly tied back and be under a head covering in colours approved by the school.
We have to remember that just last week; the Ghana Education Service authorities issued a directive that Achimota School cannot refuse to admit two students on the basis of their religious belief.
Yet on the 22nd March 2021, Ghana Education Service has suddenly reversed its earlier decision and refused to enrol the two Rastafarian students.
As confirmed under section 28(4) of the 1992 Constitution; no child should be deprived by any other person of education or any other social benefit by reason only of religious or other beliefs.
“Not accepting the boys into Achimota School because of their dreadlocks is degrading treatment which is also frowned upon under article 28(3) of the 1992 Constitution.
Should Achimota School and Ghana Education Service not consider accepting the boys on the basis of an acceptable head covering; it is likely that this matter will be submitted to a more formal forum on the basis that the boys’ human rights have been violated.
At present, there is a violation of several of the 2 students human rights and in particular articles 21(1)(c), 25(1), 26(1) 28(3) and 28(4) of the 1992 Constitution.
Source: Classfmonline.com
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