Gov’t Bans Schools’ Street Parades Nationwide

By Precious D. Freeman
In a decisive move to curb growing public safety concerns, the Ministry of Education and the Liberia National Police (LNP) have announced the immediate enforcement of a nationwide ban on school-related street parades.
The directive, unveiled at a joint press conference yesterday targets unsanctioned celebrations associated with school gala days and graduation events.
The ban, effective immediately, comes amid increasing reports of injuries, public disorder, and violations of previous regulations governing student events.
Authorities say the trend of chaotic street processions—often involving non-students—has led to dangerous situations that endanger lives and strain community resources.
“Over the years, chaotic and unauthorized street parades—often involving individuals who are not students—have resulted in preventable injuries and public disturbances,” said Minister of Education Jarso Maley Jallah during the press briefing. “Despite repeated warnings, some schools continue to ignore the ministry’s clear directives.”
The enforcement operation will be rolled out in all 15 counties and will be jointly managed by the Ministry of Education and the LNP.
The announcement aligns with stipulations in the 2024–2025 academic calendar, which now strictly prohibits celebratory activities on public streets and highways.
Instead, schools are being encouraged to host their events in controlled environments such as sports pitches, community halls, and stadiums.
Officials emphasized that these safer venues still allow students to mark their achievements—just without the risks.
The ban is being enforced under the legal authority of Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution, Sections 17.3 and 17.4 of the Penal Law, and the Liberia Education Reform Act of 2023.
These provisions empower the government to act in the interest of student safety and maintain public order.
Key enforcement provisions include: Deployment of police across all counties to monitor school activities; Immediate penalties for violations, including fines and possible suspension of school licenses; Regulation of graduation and national exam celebrations by the Liberia National Police; Zero tolerance for high-risk behaviors, such as students dancing on moving vehicles or hanging from car rooftops.
Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman underscored the intent of the new rules: “We will not tolerate reckless or hazardous behavior in the name of celebration. Our responsibility is to ensure order and protect lives.”
The press conference coincided with a public forum where a government minister unnamed during the session voiced sharp criticism of adult behavior during school events, highlighting a troubling pattern of disorder and exploitation of student-centered celebrations.
“Over the years, the records are clear. We’ve seen repeated patterns of adult behavior that put our children at risk. We’ve seen lives lost,” the minister stated. “These actions are not in the spirit of celebration they are reckless.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safe civic life, the minister called on parents, educators, and community leaders to “rise to the occasion” and support responsible celebrations.
“Celebration is not the problem. How we choose to celebrate is,” the minister said. “Let us protect our children. Let us protect our future. And let us move forward together not in chaos, but in unity and peace.”
The joint statement was officially signed and endorsed by Minister Jarso Maley Jallah and Inspector General Gregory Coleman, marking a new chapter in how Liberia approaches student celebrations.
As enforcement begins, authorities are urging full cooperation from schools, families, and community groups insisting that safety, dignity, and discipline must be the foundation for all public observances moving forward.