The Ministry of Education recently issued a circular, banning school administrations from lodging police complaints without getting prior approval from the legal affairs department of the ministry.

An official at the ministry said the move is in response to a large number of complaints lodged by school administrations against their staff or parents of students. The circular said violators of the ban would face strict legal action.

According to the official, the legal department will first review the case and then decide whether to go ahead with the police complaint or it could be solved within the school management and the ministry.

"A circular in this regard has been circulated among public and private schools in all parts of the country. The circular states that it is not allowed for school managements to lodge complaints with the police on behalf of the ministry, without prior approval from the legal department before the police enter the school for any reason. Those who violate the procedures will be subjected to necessary legal action and the appropriate penalty," said the official.

Some schools in Sharjah confirmed that they received the circular. "Some schools lodge complaints with the police for silly cases which do not require their interference. The cases such as student quarrels or disputes with parents can be contained within the school and the ministry," said the manager of an American school in Sharjah.

Some other schools considered that the new decision undermines the authority of the school and makes it unable to take an immediate stance, especially in some situations that require the quick intervention of the police. "We hope there will be a quick response in the event of any serious situation," headmaster of another school in Sharjah said.

Source: Khaleej Times