Apr 1, 2025
In January 2025, Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine, parents of a nine-year-old student at Cowley Hill Primary School in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, were arrested following their criticisms of the school's leadership on a private WhatsApp group. The couple had expressed concerns over the recruitment process for a new headteacher and felt marginalized in discussions about their neurodivergent daughter's educational needs. Their communications included multiple emails and messages in the parents' WhatsApp group, which the school reported as "disparaging and inflammatory," leading to distress among staff, parents, and governors.
Following the school's complaint, six Hertfordshire police officers arrested Allen and Levine at their home, detaining them for approximately 11 hours on suspicion of harassment, malicious communications, and causing a nuisance on school property. After a five-week investigation, the police concluded there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges, and no further action was taken.
The incident has sparked a broader debate on free speech and the appropriate use of police resources. Critics argue that the response was disproportionate, potentially setting a concerning precedent for how dissenting opinions are handled within school communities. In response to the controversy, Hertfordshire's Chief Constable Andy Prophet has ordered a review of the case to assess the actions taken by the police. READ MORE
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Commentary by Joe Hawkins