THE STAR

WE rightly hold teachers to high, even impossible, standards because they are charged with moulding minds and developing character.

This is what makes the behaviour of the teacher accused of racism even more reprehensible and unacceptable. It is conduct unbecoming of an educator, which is why the condemnation has been appropriate in its vehemence. This should not have happened, but since it did, she should be made to face up to the fact that she did something grievously wrong. The parents have rightly demanded action. But it is, nevertheless, a matter of some regret that the apology and the transfer of the teacher have been judged inadequate to ease the pain of the slurs. It seems that some want her out of the profession, and others want to put her in the dock. While the teacher should certainly be held accountable for her actions, it would, however, seem that the nature of the disciplinary action to be taken should best be left to the authorities to decide, in accordance with departmental policy and procedures in such matters. In any case, the principle of letting the punishment fit the crime should apply.

Moreover, the issue at hand is not just to make sure that she pays for her offending epithets. It is clear that while she is no longer in the school, and may no longer be in any classroom as some wish, no one is out of the woods. Now that the whole community, and not just the school population has been affected, the bigger question is what should be done to heal the wounds and make sure that tensions do not reach a boiling point. As it is, as the story continues to play out in the media, it is clear that more people than the teacher are in great need of sensitivity and tolerance training. What is most worrying is that instead of showing racism the red card, there has been a propensity to play the race card. It is a matter of concern that some have chosen to succumb to the temptation to grandstand instead of rising to the occasion and mediate to resolve the situation.

It would be both foolish and dangerous to sweep the matter under the carpet. Like other major issues facing the nation today, racism must be faced squarely, fought on many fronts and by all segments of the community. But it must be done responsibly, with great care and restraint, lest it stokes the fires instead of dousing the flames of intolerance and bigotry.