Do not Deflect Or Use Conduct of Expelled Student's Parents as Excuse to Avoid Investigation, Delta CDHR Warns FGC Warri

The Delta State Chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights,CDHR on Saturday November 7 warned the Management Board of the Federal Government College, Warri must " deflect" and not to use the poor conduct of an expelled student's parents as an excuse to avoid investigating the allegation of sexual harassment against her. 

The warning is contained in a statement signed by Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen  and Comrade Nosa Oveseey, State Chairman and Publicity Secretary respectively. 

The CDHR also urged the School's Management Board to immediately investigate the allegations of sexual harassment and apply sanctions where culpability is established,review the expulsion to ensure due process was followed and that it was not punitive or retaliator as well as strengthen student protection policies and create clear reporting channels for parents and students.

The CDHR stated that the safety and welfare of students must remain the primary concern of any school authority.

On the Parents’ Conduct, It is understandable that a parent may react emotionally upon receiving distressing information about their child. 

The CDHR However condemned  the manner in which the parents acted, particularly the alleged false information given to the husband that she was assaulted by school security personnel. 

According to CDHR,"Parents are expected to respect constituted authorities and follow established procedures in channeling grievances, rather than resorting to hostility."

While demanding for equal justice, the CDHR said,'If the school authorities did not hesitate to expel the female student based on her parents’ conduct, then the male student whose actions allegedly triggered the entire incident must also face due investigation and appropriate disciplinary action. Selective justice undermines confidence in the system.

"Given the alarming rate of rape, defilement, and sexual harassment in schools, such cases warrant immediate and decisive action. Behaviour of this nature, if left unchecked, can develop into more grievous conduct in adulthood. Schools must serve as safe spaces and must act as deterrents.

While urging parents to remain civil and follow due process, CDHR also enjoined school authorities to prioritize the protection of children above institutional reputation.

It insisted that,"Justice must be fair, transparent, and seen to be done."

Our Correspondent reports that the Federal Government College,Warri,Delta State on Friday expelled a female student over an allegation of sexual harassment by a male student in the school.