State to act against teachers allegedly suspending pupils over politics
DAR ES SALAAM: The government has pledged to take legal action against any teacher found guilty of suspending students based on their parents’ political affiliations.
This follows viral reports on various media platforms claiming that 14 students were suspended from Izinga Primary School in Nkasi South District, Rukwa Region, due to their parents’ support for the opposition party Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) during the November 27, 2024, local government elections.
Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, confirmed on Monday in Dar es Salaam that the government is investigating the allegations. He said a team of education quality controllers has been dispatched to the school to establish the facts.
“Schools operate under established guidelines, laws, and regulations. It is unacceptable for any teacher to create their own rules. Political parties are legally recognized, and there is no provision in the law that allows a student to be discriminated against due to their parent’s political leanings,” Prof. Mkenda stated.
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He emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring equal access to education for all children, regardless of background, as part of its efforts to invest in the country’s educational infrastructure.
“Our President has declared that even girls who become pregnant should be allowed to return to school. How, then, can children be discriminated against because of their parents’ decision to support a legally registered political party?” he asked.
The allegations claim that the head teacher of Izinga Primary School, Mr. Regius Kawimbe, expelled the students due to their parents’ support for CHADEMA during the recent elections.
The Ministry of Education has reiterated that any confirmed violations will result in strict legal action, reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding the right to education for all Tanzanian children without discrimination.
