Speaker, education seems to be lurching from one crisis to the other. As if the crises of curricular and professional issues were not enough, we also have to contend with the disgraceful conduct of many of our educators. There are those who abuse young females, are routinely absent, are late for duty and who come to school intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. They are terribly unworthy role models for our children.
Through the bad example of many of these educators, the rot spreads to the children in our schools. Schoolchildren gang-raping a fellow student is unacceptable in any decent society. Schoolchildren abusing drugs and narcotics undermines the future progress of this country. Educators using pornography subverts the values we hold dear as a people.
Cope demands that parents receive a categorical assurance from this government that the crises in education will be resolved to the satisfaction of all those concerned. This government cannot afford to let the country down. Further damage to our children must be stopped. Thank you. [Applause.]