Qld school causes outrage with Saudi princes muck-up day stunt

Year 12 students at a Queensland state secondary college have come under fire for dressing as “Saudi Arabian Princes” for Muck Up Day.

Year 12 students who dressed as “Saudi Arabian Princes” for Muck Up Day have sparked outrage among their peers after one costume-clad student ran around yelling he was a “terrorist” and screaming “Allahu Akbar”.

The Courier-Mail has been told that while some staff at Murrumba State Secondary College, north of Brisbane, expressed cultural appropriation concerns regarding the costumes worn by 10 students on Thursday, no action was taken.

While most of the “Saudi Arabian Princes” did not take it any further than the costumes, it is claimed one student in the Middle Eastern attire also used offensive language.

Nine of the Year 12 students who dressed as “Saudi Arabian Princes” for Muck Up Day at Murrumba State Secondary College. Supplied.

A witness said at one point, the student put a ski mask on and openly went around declaring he was dressed as “a terrorist”.

It is further claimed the same student was running around yelling “Allahu Akbar” – meaning “God is greatest” in Arabic.

It is understood one staff member spoke to the particular student, laughed with him, patted him on the back, and walked away.

Pictures of the Year 12 students dressed as “Saudi Arabian Princes” were circulated on various social media accounts on Thursday.

“I was in shock,” a student told The Courier-Mail.

“I see what happened today and I think this is when it needs to be knocked on the head, so it’s not perpetuated further into adulthood.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the incident was being looked into.

“We want children to enjoy themselves, but obviously schools need to ensure that the behaviour is of the required standard,” she said.

“I know that (incident) is being looked into at the moment. I’m a little concerned that sometimes these things can go a little bit too far, but hopefully we can address that.

“It’s an operational matter and I believe the school is looking at that now.”

Education Minister Grace Grace. Pics Tara Croser.

A Department of Education spokesperson said the College supports “safe and appropriate” end-of-year celebrations for Year 12 students.

“The school expects the highest standards of behaviour up until the last day of school,” the Department statement said.

“The Department of Education is aware of a behavioural incident which took place at the

school on Thursday, November 17, involving Year 12 students.

“The matter will be investigated fully by the College and dealt with in an appropriate manner.

“Any parents with concerns should contact the school.”

The theme for Muck Up Day at Murrumba State Secondary College was ‘iconic duos’ or ‘iconic groups’. Other students dressed as Kath and Kim, Alvin & the Chipmunks, and SpongeBob Square Pants & Patrick Star.

On Friday, Murrumba State Secondary College’s Year 12 students will have their graduation in the morning and their formal in the evening.