Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams says schools are not allowed to lock out students because of the violation of any rule.

The minister was speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing today (September 28), where she shared her views on the disciplinary actions taken by schools to bar students from entering if they break school dress code.

“Once a student steps on the compound, we act in the place of parents. And I have consistently said that there should not be any locking out, whatsoever,” said Williams.

Within the first three weeks of school, there was an influx of students being locked out of school because of the length and tightness of their pants.

She addressed the recent controversy, stating the decision does not require government intervention.

The minister noted that a general policy on school uniforms has been made by the Government but they cannot detail the specifics.

“It is not our intention to prescribe the length of a girl’s uniform or the length of a boy’s pants of the size of it. We leave those decisions to our boards in our schools,” said Williams.

She then urged schools to work with all parties involved (parents, teachers, principals and students) to come to a written consensus that is fair, reasonable and free of discrimination.

“We will continue to stand on the side of discipline,” she stressed.