Fighting not ‘part of life’

THE EDITOR: As a retired teacher who spent much time in moulding students to be good and upright students and conforming to the discipline of the school, I am appalled at the remarks of the Minister of Education citing “fighting as a part of life and part of growing up.”

Similar to his remarks on “bumping,” he has now given license to students to indulge in violent behaviour. The fact that he “liked fighting” is no comfort to Principals, whose first priority is the safety of students. Today’s children fight with guns and knives, and their book bags are scanned for weapons. They fight under the influence of drugs. They fight under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. They fight for sex and money.

If the Minister considers such fighting to be “growing up,” then I can only conclude that our education today is trying to “grow” our students into criminals.

Imaam Iqubal Hydal, Felicity.