Nicosia, Cyprus. More than 70 students and parents gathered outside the English School in Nicosia on Friday to protest the cancellation of this year’s graduation ceremony. The school cancelled the event following reports of extensive vandalism during May’s “pinta” celebration, a tradition observed by final-year students.
Protest outside the school
Protesters called on school authorities to reconsider the decision and allow the graduation ceremony to proceed. The group first gathered on a road adjacent to the school before marching to its main entrance.
Reason for the cancellation
According to the school, the damage included overturned furniture, graffiti and offensive messages in numerous classrooms.
Students seek talks with school officials
Students said school officials had shown little willingness to engage in efforts to find a solution. The English School did not respond to the Cyprus Mail’s requests for comment.
One student told the Cyprus Mail that the headmaster would not accept meetings with parents or students. The student said a group of about 40 people had wanted to apologise and move forward, but that the school would not accept the meeting.
The student also said school officials had proposed delaying any potential meeting until after examinations, adding that this would make it too late to restore the graduation ceremony. Another student said the number of pupils willing to apologise was closer to 20.
