OVER the past three weeks I have read with growing distress the comments, letters and articles regarding Malvern Link CE School printed in your newspaper.

As a grandparent and father to one of the families involved I cannot, in the face of half-truths and innuendo, remain silent.

I was hoping that my faith in humanity to be self-reflective and honest about its innermost workings would be vindicated but, alas, this is not about to happen. All I see is denial; the 'not us' mentality.

Therefore I wish to make these comments. In doing so I speak only of events concerning my own family.

This case is not being brought for any reason other than a wrong has been done. My grandchild and his or her parents have been much maligned, not only by Malvern Link CE School but since then by comments and letters in your newspaper. A sincere, personal and humble apology along with certain assurances could, perhaps, have been sufficient, if done swiftly and without reservation.

The articles, leaders and letters printed have made assumptions and statements that show the writers to have no idea as to the nature of the complaints and, in most instances, no understanding of how prejudice is 'integrated' within our day to day lives.

As regards my grandchild bullying is not, and never was, the issue.

Jennifer Potts was, contrary to the statement by Worcester County Council's education department, present at all times in my families case.

As usual, institutions caught with their metaphoric 'trousers down' close ranks, hide behind half-truths, say 'not us', seek mitigating circumstances and then look for someone else to blame.

Judgementalism based in race, as well as other 'characteristics' such as religion, class, marital status, gender, size or disability is deep within our psyche.

Fundamentally anyone who is perceived as being different is a target for our innermost need to feel 'better' or 'superior' than another. Such is our insecurity and fear of others.

This current situation is about assumptions and judgements of individuals and whether these assumptions and judgements were made upon physical characteristics, status and the stereotypes drawn or not.

It is also about the responses from these institutions and the lack of transparency and honesty within them. Perhaps it is asking too much for the public to reserve their collective and individual judgements and for the institutions involved to allow the truth to be told. Perhaps it is too much for a society in denial to allow this transparency.

I would also ask all of us, and I include myself in this, to look more deeply at the thoughts we harbour and the feelings we express to individuals or groups who we think are different to us and to observe and learn about ourselves and the true nature of the society we all are responsible for.

NAME & ADDRESS SUPPLIED.