The Editor, Sir:

I am using this medium to call on the Minister of Education to deeply consider a system of reform in the education system that give teachers or members of the education task force (and this includes administrative and ancillary workers) the right to defend themselves from misguided and revolting students, by any means necessary. Too often we hear of teachers being attacked by students and the 'poor' teachers have to be sheltered and locked in offices or classrooms to prevent them from being beaten to a pulp by the students.

I remember vividly, a recent incident that happened at a prominent high school, where a security guard was attacked and severely stabbed by a group of students. The security guard could not defend himself 'appropriately', simply because he was 'security personnel' and the other parties were 'students'. I am deeply saddened and utterly disgusted by this. I believe that whether the offender is a student or a man on the street, the defence response should be the same ... defend yourself by any means necessary.

Shocked and appalled

I was recently verbally and physically attacked by a student and, being a parent myself, I was shocked and appalled, not only by the student's complete disrespect for authority, but by the threats and utterances that emanated from the child's mouth. Had I not been a member of the Education Task Force, I would have surely defended myself ... by any means necessary ... whether or not it resulted in a broken limb or two.

The relevant code should be amended to include ... "Members of staff should have the right to defend themselves from violent students using any means necessary at the time of provocation."

I am, etc.,

NADIA JONES

Carron Hall P.O.

St. Mary