An anonymous group of “concerned parents” has launched an online petition to have a teacher at Port Royal Primary School reinstated by the end of the week after being placed on administrative leave.

The Bermuda Union of Teachers expressed “serious concerns” about the conduct of Crystal Caesar, the Minister of Education, in a reported student disciplinary matter this month that resulted in the PE teacher being suspended.

The Royal Gazette was told by sources that teachers at the school were considering taking industrial action after Ms Caesar intervened when teachers prohibited a male pupil from participating in an interschool sports event.

A source familiar with the matter told the Gazette that Ms Caesar, who was contacted by the boy’s parents, responded by ordering staff at the Department of Education to allow the student to take part.

Ben Smith, the Opposition Leader, called for Ms Caesar to quit over the matter.

The petition on www.Change.org, attributed only to “concerned parents”, has garnered several hundred signatures.

The Government insisted in response that the minister acted within her remit under the Education Act 1996 in ensuring that “Bermuda’s public education system is operating fairly, properly and in the best interests of students”.

Ms Caesar said that no minister could ignore concerns regarding a child’s welfare, adding it was disappointing the issue had been made political.

The parents’ group said the petition is supported by parents, grandparents and teachers of the public and private sectors, including sports entities, PTA presidents, PTA executive members and the wider community.

It said: “We believe principals and teachers should have the freedom to reasonably impose consequences on our children, such as the loss of privileges, without interference from the Minister of Education, by overturning disciplinary actions.”

The group said the move at Port Royal had resulted in a teacher on administrative leave for “attempting to uphold consequences for disruptive behaviour”.

“We believe that holding children accountable for their actions is a restorative practice that helps improve their behaviour, and keeps our classrooms safe and conducive to learning.”

The BUT said previously that it took issue with the precedent set by a minister overriding school discipline decisions and undermining staff.

The petition continued: “We demand the immediate reinstatement of their PE/health teacher by Friday, May 15 and an assurance that such interference will not recur. Failure to meet these requirements will result in further action.”

The parents said the petition aims to ensure that children learn responsibility through “appropriate consequences, a principle that has shaped productive citizens for generations”.

It added: “Together, we can ensure accountability for disruptive behaviour, which helps keep our classrooms safe and conducive to learning.”

A spokesman for the ministry said that any suggestion Ms Caesar acted outside of her authority or improperly was “false”.

He said the minister was within her rights to ask questions when concerns surfaced over student wellbeing, school discipline or whether established procedures were followed.

He added: “At no point has the minister suggested that teachers should not be fully supported in maintaining discipline or carrying out their professional responsibilities.

“On the contrary, teachers must be empowered and supported to manage their classrooms effectively and to uphold standards of behaviour that foster safe, respectful and productive learning environments.

“At the same time, discipline must remain appropriate, proportionate and aligned with the code of conduct, which promotes a positive and restorative approach.

“Discipline should be viewed as a teachable moment, using incremental interventions to address inappropriate behaviour, promote accountability and support meaningful behavioural change.”

Ms Caesar said: “When concerns are brought forward, the minister has a duty to seek information, review what took place, and ensure that decisions were handled fairly and appropriately. That is not interference, that is part of the minister’s job.

“It is disappointing that a sensitive matter involving a child and a staffing issue has been politicised publicly.

“The ministry will not discuss individual students, staff members or confidential human resource matters, because protecting privacy and respecting due process are responsibilities the ministry takes seriously.”

The ministry spokesman said teachers deserved support and respect in fulfilling their duties, just as students and parents deserve fairness, care and protection.

“These principles are not in conflict; they are complementary and essential to a strong and effective education system,” he added.