To: The Chairperson and Members of the Board of Directors

Bingham Academy

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

From: Concerned Parents and Members of the Bingham Academy Community

1. Introduction

We, the undersigned parents and members of the Bingham Academy community, write to express our deep concern regarding recent disciplinary proceedings and their impact on the wellbeing of our children and the unity of our school community.

We appreciate the difficult responsibility of maintaining discipline and upholding Bingham Academy’s high moral and academic standards. We also value the school’s efforts to ensure the physical safety of students during school activities both on and off campus. However, recent events have raised serious concerns about accountability, emotional safety, fairness, and the consistent application of school policies.

While the intent of the disciplinary process may have been to correct and protect, the way it has been carried out appears to have unintentionally created an atmosphere of fear, division, and mistrust within the student body and the parent community.

2. Child Safety and Supervision Issues

The Oct 16, 2025 school wide email indicated that “A serious incident occurred during Activities Week in which the behaviour of several students was wholly inappropriate and caused harm that is deeply concerning to us as a school community”.

That message created a strong sense of alarm among parents, yet no subsequent communication has been issued to clarify, reassure, or address the concerns it raised. The lack of follow-up has not only left the community unsettled but also given rise to speculation and rumors, further deepening confusion and mistrust among students and parents alike.

In addition, to date, we have not received an update how the staff failed to provide safeguard or supervision. This lack of supervision represents a breach of the Child Safety Policy and raises legitimate concerns about oversight and accountability. There is still no clear communication and assurance from the school why that email was sent out and why it hadn't been followed up.

3. Emotional Safety and Bias Concerns

Although we recognize that procedures are in place to ensure physical safety, recent developments have highlighted serious concerns about emotional and psychological safety.

Our children are increasingly expressing fear of being accused, misinterpreted, or unfairly judged during normal peer interactions. There is a growing sense that some students feel unsafe participating in games, conversations, or group activities for fear that their words or actions might later be misinterpreted or held against them. This environment undermines confidence, friendship, and open communication among students.

Furthermore, there is a perception of favoritism or unequal treatment, where some students appear to receive the benefit of doubt or protection while others do not. Such perceptions of bias damage the sense of justice and belonging that should define a Christian learning community. A culture of emotional safety is essential to learning, growth, and the Christian ethic of grace that Bingham stands for.

4. Inconsistency and Accountability

In the case of the expelled students, we have also observed differences in how rules are applied, with varying degrees of discipline and interpretation of conduct. This perceived “different rules for different people” undermines trust in the school’s accountability structures. It also risks alienating children at a critical stage of their moral and emotional development.

True accountability must include not only students, but also adults responsible for their care and supervision. A balanced review that considers both student conduct and supervisory responsibility would promote transparency and institutional integrity.

5. Impact on the School Community

The handling of recent events has had a divisive effect within the community. Parents and students report that the school environment feels tense and uncertain, and that children now feel as though they are “walking on eggshells.”

This climate of fear and mistrust contradicts Bingham Academy’s stated vision of being a Christ-centered community of grace, learning, and growth. The emotional toll on students—both those directly affected and their peers—is real and ongoing.

As a Christian institution, discipline should always reflect the principles of mercy, fairness, and restoration, not exclusion or stigmatization. The perception that punishment has been selective and harsh risks being seen as contrary to the spirit of Christian compassion and redemption.

6. Requests to the Board

Considering these concerns, and in the spirit of partnership and shared accountability, we respectfully request that the Board of Directors take the following actions:

1. Schedule an urgent Buna with the Board to hear concerns from parents.

2. Address emotional safety and bias concerns by fostering open dialogue and trust-building sessions among students, teachers, and parents.

3. Develop clear accountability measures to ensure consistent application of policies to all students, regardless of background or affiliation.

4. Promote restorative and compassionate discipline, ensuring that corrective measures align with Christian values of grace and redemption rather than permanent exclusion.

5. Affirm the school’s commitment to community unity, inviting all parents to come together in support of fairness, forgiveness, and mutual understanding.

7. Conclusion

As parents, we remain deeply committed to the success and reputation of Bingham Academy and to its mission of nurturing children in truth, wisdom, and grace. We believe that the issues raised here provide an opportunity for collective reflection and renewal, ensuring that future actions reflect both justice and compassion. By addressing these concerns transparently and equitably, the Board can help restore trust, strengthen community unity, and reaffirm the school’s Christian witness.

Respectfully submitted,
Concerned Parents and Members of the Bingham Academy Community

(Signatures attached)