Jasper Williams board rejects mistreatment allegations

The Jasper Williams High School board has strongly rejected allegations of student mistreatment, describing them as false, misleading, and damaging.

In a formal statement, the school’s management board defended its administration and expressed full confidence in the principal amid national calls for her removal.

The statement follows allegations made by a parent, who is also a former student of the Lautoka-based school, regarding her daughter’s textbook clearance and treatment at the school.

Reaching social and mainstream media it drew national attention.

A video circulating on social media alleged bullying over a misplaced textbook and badge, the exclusion of late students due to closed school gates and raised concerns over the school’s Christian identity.

Board chairman Rev Abel Nand said claims that a student was denied education because of textbook clearance issues were “inaccurate, baseless and misleading”.

“The student in question has attended school daily and has been present in her classroom from the very first day of the academic year without interruption,” Rev Nand said.

“Any suggestion that the child was denied access to learning is categorically false.”

The school has acted strictly in line with the Ministry of Education’s textbook policy, which requires the return of all school-issued property before progression.

This policy is applied uniformly to all students, without favour or discrimination.

The board also raised concerns over what it described as repeated online attacks against the school and the principal since December 2025, allegedly led by individuals claiming to be alumni.

Rev Nand said the board recognised only the legally registered Jasper Williams Former Students Association.

“The board strongly refutes any allegations of misconduct, negligence, or victimisation by the school or its leadership,” he said.

He described calls for the principal’s removal as sinister, ill-motivated and were not grounded in facts or due process.

The board has recommended to the Ministry of Education that the school’s leadership be maintained.

“This statement is issued to clarify the facts, correct the public record, and reaffirm our commitment to fairness, transparency, and national education policies,” he said.