Claim: “An innocent secondary student of S.D. School System whose parents cannot afford graduation fees is ordered, handcuffed, and imprisoned on her way to jail.”
Source: Martin K.N Kollie
Verdict: Misleading, Grace was not handcuffed for graduation fees but rather a US$10 gown fee.
Full Text: On September 25, 2024, Martin K. N. Kollie claimed that the S.D. School System Principal, Papa V. Corneh, ordered the arrest of student Grace B. Jlateh because her parents could not afford to pay 125 for the graduation fee and 10 for gown rental.
As of the time of the check, the post attracted 1k reactions, 1.3k comments, and 475 shares.
On Tuesday, a video circulated on social media displaying an image of a recent graduate, Grace B. Jlateh, in her graduation attire from the S.D. School System located in Virginia Township, Brewerville, handcuffed and escorted by a court sheriff and her family members.
Verification: To authenticate this claim, we contacted Kollie via WhatsApp and he said Grace’s family narrated that the school charged each student US$125.00 as graduation fees. Per the request of the school, Grace’s mother paid in full.
While awaiting graduation within two days, Grace visited the campus to collect her graduation package, but the principal requested that she pay an additional US$10, which others paid.
“Grace told the principal that her mother did not have money after paying $125.00. The principal refused to give the girl her package and the girl went home and brought her older sister on campus. They demanded the little girl’s package. Surprisingly, on graduation day, a sheriff from the court brought a writ to arrest the little child,” Kollie said.
Pauline Joy Jlateh Kroteh, Grace’s sister, confirmed Kollie’s statement and added that the case is at the Brewerville Magisterial Court.
“The case was scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2024, at about 9:00 AM but we do not have a lawyer because we can not afford lawyers fees,” Kroteh stated.
According to the administration of the S. D. School System, on Saturday, September 21, Grace received all of her souvenirs and was asked to deposit the amount of US$10 as collateral for the return of her gown belonging to the school.
Upon the return of the gown, the said money would be given back.
Corneh said Grace left the school campus. Surprisingly, she returned with her sister and pushed his office door, demanding the gown.
“She came along with her sisters with the intent of fighting me in my office and the two sisters rained insults on me and my parents and threatened to disturb the graduation. Their allegation is far from the truth,” Principal Corneh stated.
As a result of that, he then filed a complaint to the court for legal redress. When the Sheriff came to perfect the court order, the Sheriff then requested Corneh to identify Grace. Just at that time, he left the scene to prepare for the graduation program.
Corneh furthered that while the program was about to begin, Grace was seen walking handcuffed by the Sheriff, unknown to him. While her family along with the sheriff accompanied her.
“At that moment, he then demanded the sheriff remove the cuff because the main person was Grace’s sister, who threatened to disturb the graduation but the sheriff refused to comply,” Corneh said.
Conclusion: Based upon our research, Grace was not handcuffed for graduation fees; rather, an issue surrounding US$10. She paid her graduation fee of US$125 in full, which also violated the Ministry of Education regulation.
