Crieff High School has been hit with claims that sexual harassment, racism and homophobia are “rife” among students in an open letter published by a pupil.
Fifth-year pupil Anna De Garis has published the results of a survey she carried out, which reveals how as many as three-quarters of students who responded have witnessed this type of behaviour from their peers.
The letter lists allegations of sexual harassment, including incidents of inappropriate touching, by fellow pupils.
Anna says she has had her own experiences with abuse and bullying – and that inaction has led to these behaviours being “normalised” within the school community.
‘Sexual assault rife at Crieff High School’
Anna also says nothing was done after she reported an incident where a friend was told to “kill themselves”.
In her letter, Anna wrote: “During my time at Crieff High School I have personally experienced sexual assault, regular sexual harassment and frequent racist abuse.
“I have witnessed far more aimed at others and it’s clear to me that racism, sexism, sexual assault and harassment, homophobia and transphobia are all rife, and
through the school’s inaction, are also being normalised for many.
“I am not the only person who has dealt with and been harmed by bigotry and discrimination at Crieff High School, the answers to my form have made that incredibly clear.
“I am also not the only person who has felt completely ignored by staff either.”
The 16-year-old says she felt the need to carry out the survey so pupils would be able to “clearly illustrate” to school bosses that there is a serious issue.
The document details allegations of racial and homophobic slurs being used in front of teachers without consequence, and of explicit photos being shared among youngsters.
Meanwhile, there are also accusations of male teachers making sexist jokes at the school.
Crieff High School has been incredibly reluctant to listen or take my experience seriously.”
Anna De Garis
Crieff High has a roll of just over 600 pupils and more than 80 – just under 15% – responded to Anna’s survey.
According to the document, a quarter of youngsters say they have had direct experience of racism and more than three-quarters have witnessed racial abuse.
A similar number – 77% – say they have witnessed homophobic bullying.
Meanwhile, about 55% of pupils who responded say they have experienced sexism, while a third say they have experienced sexual harassment at school.
Anna added: “Like many other pupils I have not been supported by Crieff High School and they have been incredibly reluctant to listen or take my experience seriously.
“They have also seemed unwilling to take decisive action through a zero-tolerance approach or by expanding education and learning in these vital areas for either staff or pupils.”
‘No child should find themselves in this position’
Anna is being supported by her mum, Kristie, who says it has been a “continuous problem” for her daughter over the course of four years.
Kristie claims to have visited the school many times and spoken with senior staff members but says little action had been taken following her complaints.
She says she is proud of her daughter for speaking out, but added: “She is just 16 and has just had her prelims.
“Really, I want her to have as easy a time as possible.
“No child should find themselves in this position. It’s the school’s job.”
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith said the contents of Anna’s letter would be a matter of ‘grave concern’ for pupils, staff and parents.
“The allegations made are serious and l hope the school will move quickly to establish the full facts and address the concerns expressed,” the MSP told The Courier.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesman says the local authority is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all children.
Assault, bullying, harassment or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated in any of our schools
Perth and Kinross Council
He said: “Assault, bullying, harassment or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated in any of our schools. We take all allegations of these incidents extremely seriously.
“Anna has written an extremely powerful letter to staff. She and her mother met the school’s head teacher on Friday regarding Anna’s concerns and they have been invited back to discuss them in more detail today.
“We have an anti-bullying strategy in Perth and Kinross that is underpinned by each school’s own individual policies setting out how they will deal with incidents of bullying.
“We would always encourage children, young people and their parents or carers to report any incidents of bullying so appropriate action can be taken.”
Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, says he has been in touch with the council over the letter to express concern.
He told The Courier: “I am aware of the open letter from a pupil at Crieff High School, which was sent to elected members over the course of the weekend. The allegations are extremely concerning and very serious.
“I have already had an initial phone call with the executive director of education and children’s services at Perth and Kinross Council to raise my concerns, and I am aware that a full investigation is being launched.
Mr Fairlie said he would look to be kept up to date with the investigation into Anna’s concerns.
