Crieff High School investigator to be replaced after conflict of interest
Parents raised concerns after the former deputy headteacher was appointed to lead the probe into 'culture, processes and policies'
The lead investigator of a probe into Crieff High School will be replaced, after concerns were raised by parents about a conflict of interest.
David Macluskey was initially set to lead the investigation into the 'culture, processes and policies' at Crieff High School, after serious allegations of sexual assault, racism and homophobia were raised in an open letter, written by 16 year old pupil Anna De Grais.
Macluskey is currently the Service Manager for secondary education at Perth and Kinross Council, but just two years ago he was serving as the deputy headteacher at Crieff High school.
The council have now agreed he will no longer lead the investigation after parents raised concerns over the conflict of interest.
In her open letter, directed at the school, Perth and Kinross council, local MPs, MSPs and the Scottish Government, Anna De Grais included a survey of fellow pupils showcasing their own experiences.
In the letter, Anna wrote: "During my time at Crieff High School I have personally experienced sexual assault, regular sexual harassment and frequent racist abuse.
"I have witnessed far more aimed at others and it’s clear to me that Racism, Sexism, Sexual Assault and Harassment, Homophobia and Transphobia are all rife, and through the school’s inaction, are also being normalised for many."
Through a survey of her peers, in which 14.48% of pupils at the school responded within 24 hours, over 70% of them said they had witnessed racism, homophobia and sexism at the school.
Through 100 written responses, pupils shared their experiences which include allegations of the frequent use of racial slurs, anti-Semitism and holocaust denial alongside the casual use of homophobic and transphobic slurs which are also directed at LGBTQ+ students.
A Perth & Kinross Council spokesperson said: “The investigation of the issues raised by Anna in her open letter has been commissioned through a school review process to ensure the culture, policies and processes in place within Crieff High School meet the high standards we demand from our schools.
“It will identify where improvements can be made and whether any learning from this process can be taken across other schools.
“As the senior officer with overall strategic responsibility for secondary education, it is Mr Macluskey’s role to lead any review in any school within Perth and Kinross, without fear or favour.
“However, to ensure all children, young people, parents, carers and staff have full confidence in the investigation and its findings, it has been agreed that another Service Manager leads the review in his stead and we will therefore appoint a new lead.
“They will work with senior officers from the Council’s education and equalities teams will plan and oversee the programme. A peer officer from another local authority has also been commissioned to work with the review team, which consists of quality improvement officers, equalities officers and partner agencies.
“Head of Education and Learning Sharon Johnston has overall responsibility for the final report and any recommendations.
“Another officer will consider a formal complaint made by a parent separately.”
READ MORE: Investigation launched into Crieff High School following student's open letter