Barbados Teachers Union Warns of Escalating School Violence and Unsafe Classrooms

The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has raised concerns over escalating violence in schools, warning that some institutions have become “danger zones” for educators. BUT President Rudy Lovell highlighted that teachers are facing physical assaults, threats, and a toxic environment, with some attacks requiring medical attention. Recent incidents at Coleridge & Parry School and Lester Vaughan have underscored the crisis, with reports of extortion, gambling, and lawlessness among students.

Lovell criticized school administrators for ignoring or downplaying incidents, leaving teachers feeling unprotected. The lack of discipline and parental support has exacerbated the problem, pushing some teachers to consider quitting due to stress and declining mental health.

The union has issued a protocol urging teachers to remain vigilant, avoid direct confrontations, and report incidents to both school authorities and the police. Lovell emphasized that the BUT has a zero-tolerance policy on violence against teachers and called for urgent action to restore order in schools before the education system suffers lasting damage.

Source: Barbados Today