Langlands school reopens, protesting teachers suspended

By Zulfiqar Ahmad

ISLAMABAD: After remaining shut for seven days over protests by teachers and students against its foreign principal, the Langlands School and College is reopening on Wednesday (Oct 16).

“The Langlands School and College, Chitral senior schools for girls and boys (Dolomus) will reopen on Wednesday 16th October,” said a post on the school’s Facebook page on Tuesday night.

The students and teachers held a rally chanting “Go Carey Go” on Oct 2, seeking her immediate removal for alleged embezzlement in school’s funds in connivance with the schools’ board of governors (BoG).

The principal, Carey Schofield, made a short trip to UK in wake of  media reports against her but managed to come back in a bid to fizzle out the protests against her with the help of a local BoG member.

The quick return of the principal proved to be a blessing in disguise for her as she tactfully managed to garner support of the local administration with the help of Commissioner Malakand Division Riaz Khan Mahsud.

Under pressure from the top divisional baboo, the principal successfully managed to build pressure on a majority of the teachers, especially females, through the deputy commissioner and district police officer.

However, the hide and seek between the teachers and the district administration continued for a week during which, according to sources, the principal managed to woo around 21 teaching and no-teaching staff, who joined Schofield’s  bandwagon again.

The commissioner Malakand, who is believed to be behind the unnecessary closure of the school, has also reached Chitral for making arrangements for the visiting British royal couple on Wednesday.

On Tuesday afternoon, the principal issued suspension letters to the teachers who stuck to their guns and refused to accept her demand of apology and an undertaking that they would not become part of any protest against her in future.er

The teachers, who were suspended for a week, were told that they would only be allowed to join duty if they submit undertaking not to take part in such activities in future.

A teacher of the senior section told ChitralToday that about 15 teachers of the senior section had been issued suspension order.