SAN PEDRO TOWN, Thurs. May 21, 2015–Four students 2nd form of San Pedro High School in San Pedro Town have been sent home on a one-week suspension from school as punishment for circulating pornography at the school – which has been reported to be images of the nude body of a female student of the school that had been altered by the students to resemble a female teacher of the school.

The suspension commenced today, and the students are scheduled to return to classes next Friday, May 29.

Conchita Flota, the interim principal of the high school, told News 5 that the suspension of the four students brings the total number of students who have been suspended for circulating pornographic pictures to nine. Flota explained that recently, controversy had erupted over some pornographic photos of some female students that were being circulated – a situation which the management of the school addressed, she said.

Five girls were suspended after the school got reports that they took nude photos of themselves, called “selfies,” and disseminated them through social media. The school launched an investigation and confirmed that the reports were true. Such acts that the students engaged in, violate the school’s policy, Flota said.

The disciplinary committee of the school was informed and it was decided that the girls deserved a week’s suspension.

Mass expulsion of the students was not approved by the directors.

The board of management of the high school then held a meeting on Tuesday, May 19, where it decided on the course of action and punishment for students involved in the dissemination of the pornographic photos, which included students who were the subjects of the images.

Giselle Flores, acting vice principal of the school, told News 5hat there were going to be amendments made to the rulebook, which will be carried out this summer by some board members and the school’s administration. These individuals will collaborate in reviewing and updating the school rules to include cyber bullying, sharing of pornographic material, as well as other issues that came up throughout the year.

The San Pedro Department of Education is conducting an investigation into the matter. The department said that while the Ministry of Education (MOE) cannot dictate the type of punishment the school administers to its students, they do advise them on the best way to handle the situation to prevent further issues.