Education debacle is a depressing spectacle

The week after Easter has become synonymous with teacher and medical conferences, and some excitement is always promised.

However, the level of excitement this week has surpassed anything seen to date. We witnessed the unedifying spectacle of the democratically elected and appointed minister for education being treated to ignorant behaviour by people you would expect to know better.

One of the often cited problems in modern society is the lack of respect that young people in particular show to authority. Teachers now tell horrific stories of the manner in which some students behave in class. At best it is symptomatic of a lack of respect, and at worst it is indicative of a brand of anarchy that is increasingly permeating society.