Allegations have been made that an attack made on Muslim pupils of Otago Girls’ High School was racially motivated.
Taieri MP Ingrid Leary said she had been working with the pupils involved, the school, police and the Muslim community on the issue.
There were many questions to be answered and formal processes to go through, which put legal limits on what could be said by various parties, including the school.
"I’d ask that people refrain from speculating about what happened and should happen as the formal processes take place."
It was apparent to her there was was goodwill among the parties to work together, she said.
"In the meantime please be assured that there’s a lot of work going on to reach a place of justice, safety, healing and belonging for all involved."
Principal Bridget Davidson said she was unable to comment further on the issue.
One of the pupils involved shared her experience with RNZ.
Hoda Al-Jamaa (17) said she was sitting with her friends at the school when three other girls asked them how to swear in Arabic and started taunting them.
The situation escalated and Hoda’s hijab was ripped off and she was hit while others filmed her.
It was not the first violent attack she had been subject to and she frequently had a rude gesture made at her and was called a terrorist by other pupils, she said.
Ministry of Education south leader Nancy Bell said racist, sexist or discriminatory behaviour had no place in schools and would not be tolerated.
Schools were required to have clear policies and procedures in place to manage any concerns or unacceptable behaviour in the school environment.
The ministry was working closely with the school in response to the incident and was aware of the concerns of the wider community.
"The school are taking this matter extremely seriously and are getting the appropriate advice and support as they work through their disciplinary process."
In a statement, police confirmed a group of Muslim pupils was attacked by three girls in their early teens.
"The altercation and the possibility of the video circulating on social media is very concerning to us."
The three alleged offenders had been identified and an investigation of the incident was under way.
"This altercation has caused significant disquiet and distress for the girls, their families, and the wider Muslim community."
Police were treating the issue with utmost urgency and care, the statement said. — Additional reporting RNZ
