School officials in the UK were forced to suspend a student after he behaved in an “increasingly inappropriate way” in protest of a new health and safety policy.
Spalding Grammar School implemented a ban on bags for students in the sixth form as “injury was being caused to younger students” due to “ever-larger bags” carried by the seniors.
The school added that bags may be used to bring books to and from school but are not permitted in lessons during the day. Pupils are encouraged to carry books by hand for a maximum of two lessons at a time.
In protest, 17-year-old Jacob Ford submitted a 3,300-word report on the issue and carried his books and supplies to class in a microwave, saucepan, part of a lawnmower and a large wicker basket.
The “silent” protest earned him a two-day suspension.
Head teacher Steven Wilkinson said officials acted appropriately.
“We have a student who has behaved in an increasingly inappropriate way, actions the likes of which I have never witnessed, and who has been sanctioned entirely in line with the school’s policies,” Wilkinson said, according to Spalding Today.
After catching wind of Ford’s actions, the headmaster summoned him in to discuss the document he submitted on what he termed a “ridiculous ban”. He was called out for following a serious report with his inappropriate actions.
He was then given a choice to have a proper discussion on the issue or face consequences for his “rebellious streak”.
However, Wilkinson blasted the teen’s mother for enabling his behaviour.
“What disappoints me most is the fact that, rather than working with us, the parent concerned has encouraged and is now seeking to glorify her son’s behaviour,” he said.
Ford’s mother lauded her child’s protest, calling it his right to free speech. She stated she was “very proud” that he stood for something he believes in – “microwave or no microwave”.
Social media was split on the microwave protest, with many praising him for taking on a creative protest. Others thought he would have been better off studying.
Here in Asia, Malaysia’s Ministry of Education mulls over students’ burden of carrying heavy school bags daily. One solution being studied is the possibility of doing away with textbooks and broadening the curriculum into an enquiry-based concept.