School administration suspended for three months pending investigation into suffocation incident

Alaa Khalifa: As part of the Ministry of Education’s follow-up on the recent incident in which several female students at a secondary school for girls suffered asphyxiation, Minister of Education Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaai visited the students to ensure their well-being and assess their health conditions, praying to Almighty God for their swift recovery, complete health, and safety, and for the protection of our student sons and daughters from all harm.

During the visit, Minister Al-Tabtabaai emphasized that the health and safety of students are the top priorities of the Ministry of Education, reaffirming the ministry’s continued monitoring of the students’ health conditions, ensuring their well-being, and coordinating with relevant authorities to guarantee the provision of necessary care.

The minister ordered the suspension of the school’s administration from duty for three months pending investigation, and tasked a new school administration with taking over responsibility for the school and overseeing its operations, thereby ensuring a stable school environment and the continuity of the educational process.

The Ministry of Education clarified that, based on preliminary investigations confirming the involvement of several students in the incident, appropriate educational and regulatory measures have been taken against them in accordance with the Comprehensive Regulatory Bylaws for Education issued by the Ministry of Education, after the documented behaviors were classified as serious behavioral violations.

The ministry stressed that the investigation into the incident is ongoing to identify all causes and circumstances, and to determine responsibilities accurately. It emphasized that necessary measures will be taken against anyone whose responsibility or negligence is proven, in line with applicable regulations and bylaws, and based on the final results of the investigation.

The ministry underscored that these measures are implemented to safeguard the security and safety of students, maintain the stability of the school environment, and reinforce principles of discipline and accountability. It affirmed that there will be no leniency toward any behavior that undermines the security of the school community or the safety of its members.

The Ministry of Education expressed its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Health, its officials, and the medical teams that responded to the cases, commending the rapid response, healthcare provision, and follow-up care the students received since the incident, which exemplified the coordinated efforts of state institutions and their commitment to the health and safety of their citizens.

The Ministry of Education reiterated that the security and safety of students, as well as teaching and administrative staff, are fundamental responsibilities that allow no compromise. It pledged to continue monitoring the incident until all investigations and procedures are completed, and to take all necessary decisions that ensure the safety of students, enhance discipline, and provide a safe and stable educational environment for everyone.