Demonstration takes place at North Belfast school following assault investigation

Approximately 200 individuals participated in a demonstration outside a post-primary educational institution in north Belfast on Thursday. Law enforcement officials had previously stated that an assault at Belfast Model School for Girls is under investigation as a hate crime. Parents attending the protest expressed to BBC News NI their apprehension regarding the safety of their children enrolled at the school. The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed its collaboration with the school and the PSNI “to ensure the safety and well-being” of pupils. On Thursday, Paula Stuart, the school’s principal, issued a statement indicating that her comments were restricted by the ongoing police investigation. She stated: “However, I wish to reassure parents and students that the PSNI were onsite to view CCTV and no knives were involved.“I would reiterate that many of the claims on social media are entirely inaccurate and ask for our school community’s support in helping to stop the spread of misinformation.” The EA also commented that “contrary to some reports, there is no evidence to support inaccurate claims or fears being expressed on social media around pupil safety at the school”. Belfast Model School for Girls is a substantial institution, accommodating more than 1000 pupils. The school has previously received a School of Sanctuary award in recognition of its efforts. A School of Sanctuary Award is bestowed upon educational establishments that “are welcoming places for students and their families, where every child feels safe, where they are fully accepted”. Jan informed BBC News NI that she attended the protest at the school “to protect my daughter”. She asserted, “There is bullying goes on in the school.” Concurrently, Joy, whose grand-daughter attends the school, stated that she had requested a meeting with the school principal. She further commented, “What is the school doing and the education and library board to protect our children because it’s obviously not enough or you wouldn’t have people here.” Joy suggested that increased communication from the school could mitigate speculation regarding the incident circulating on social media. She explained, “That’s why we’re actually down, to ask the questions.” “Parents would feel not as worried and a lot more confident sending their children to school knowing if they’re in actually a place of safety,” she added. “We want questions answered,” she concluded. Brian Kingston, a DUP MLA for North Belfast, was present at the protest to engage with participants. He stated, “Parents are here because they’re concerned about the safety of their daughters at the school.” “There was some sort of physical incident here on Tuesday in the playground, I understand with four pupils involved,” he added. He further remarked, “There is a crisis in confidence unfortunately, in pupil safety.” Kingston also noted the prevalence of “claims and speculation on social media.” Kingston asserted, “We will also have to have engagement between the school and the school community to restore confidence.” He concluded, “We need to get the truth first and foremost, because people have their own versions of the truth”.