Hello all,
The situation is this:
A student with a mental health difficulty, taking medication, was asked to leave the course as a result of violent and aggressive
episodes brought on by alcohol abuse and failing to take the medication. No-one was physically hurt although many students were
shaken up by the episodes, one student left the course through fear as a result of these behaviours and property was damaged.
The student has now requested to return to the course and has medical evidence stating that s/he is fit to return, that s/he now
understands the consequences of failing to take the medication and of drinking to excess.
The tutor responsible for re-admitting is, however, convinced that s/he will be unable to refrain from further outbursts under the
pressure of the course and is extremely anxious for himself and for the other students. In addition the course is studio-based
meaning that students are left unsupervised sometimes quite late into the evening.
Clearly, in theory this student should be given another chance, but there are quite genuine concerns for the safety of others. My
questions are:
Has anyone had a similar experience with an outcome that worked or didn't work, and why?
Can anyone suggest any support or fall-backs to ensure the safety of the other students? Could the H&S Act be invoked to prevent
re-admission, do you think? Could conditions be placed on his return, either limiting access or perhaps a suspended sentence as it
were, with regard to exclusion?
Any advice gratefully received on or off-list
Paddy
|