Trinity haircut saga: QC finds deputy head’s sacking was ‘not justified’

SACKED Trinity Grammar deputy headmaster Rohan Brown has accepted a return to his job, after an independent review found his dismissal was not justified. An emotional Mr Brown said he was “relieved and excited”.

SACKED Trinity Grammar deputy headmaster Rohan Brown will return to the school on Monday after an independent review found his dismissal was not justified.

The elite Kew school today told the veteran teacher he could return as deputy after he was sacked in March over a student haircut.

Tonight an emotional Mr Brown, who was moved to tears on hearing the news, said he was “relieved and excited”.

“I want to go back,” he said.

The independent review, carried out by Raymond Finkelstein AO QC and barrister Renee Enbom, found Mr Brown’s dismissal by council was not justified, despite him breaching the school’s code of conduct, because it did not actually have the requisite authority to do so.

“I am proud of the Trinity community, it has been fabulous,” Mr Brown said.

“It has been hard on the boys, the parents and the staff. They have been torn apart”.

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The haircut which started the saga was caught on video.

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The deputy principal was removed after he cut a student’s hair on school photo day, with the boy’s family later telling community meetings it did not want the veteran to be sacked.

Mr Brown is expected to receive a rapturous reception from students, who initiated passionate protests for him to be reinstated, when they return to school on Tuesday.

The review made five recommendations, including that headmaster Michael Davies not revise Mr Brown’s duties without consent until the end of his five year term as deputy principal and head of senior school.

Further recommendations noted that if Mr Brown returned to the school, he be advised he should never cut a student’s hair, he be informed of how the school’s personal appearance policy be enforced and told that any breach may result in a summary dismissal.

The review also recommended a notice to parents on the manner in which the school will deal with students who don’t adhere to the policy.

Trinity’s School Council Chairman Robert Utter said the council had accepted the inquiry’s findings and reached out to Mr Brown “to apologise for our decision to dismiss him in March”.

“We would also like to extend sincere apologies to the wider Trinity community, with the original decision creating concern for many.”

The school council was ripped apart after its decision led to fierce backlash, with student protests and a 1500-strong community meeting voting unanimously to remove the self-elected body.

Mr Utter has confirmed a new council will replace remaining school council members in due time to prevent further sudden resignations which would have plunged the school into administration.

Mr Utter said the decision to sack Mr Brown “was not taken lightly at the time”.

“It was based on an understanding of matters, which are now known to be different,” he said. “That said, we accept full responsibility for making a decision that has ultimately been determined as wrong by eminent, qualified and independent examiners.

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Trinity Grammar students protested over the sacking. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“The attention Trinity Grammar has attracted in recent weeks has been regrettable and we hope our school community can come together to move forward with care and respect.

“This would see community members continuing with their commitment to the consultation and engagement program that’s underway and maintaining interest in a required review into the school’s governance and constitution.”

Headmaster Dr Michael Davies said he looked forward to welcoming Mr Brown back.

“Together, the talented teachers and support staff of Trinity have much work to do as we put focus on our fundamental priority, which is to develop our students into fine young men of the future,” he said.

Maurice Blackburn Employment Law Principal Josh Bornstein, who is acting for Mr Brown, said it was regrettable he was dismissed at all, but it was pleasing the decision was being reversed.

“Our client has always held the utmost respect for Trinity Grammar and its students, and he

is very proud to be a part of the school community,” he said.

“He has only ever sought a fair process and he welcomes that an independent investigation has now confirmed that he should never have been dismissed from his role.

“He looks forward to returning to his role soon and getting back to what he does best:

teaching.”

Tom Hudson, former treasurer of the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, said the “greatest injustice in the school’s 115-year history has been righted by Mr Finkelstein”.

“The council has trashed the legacy of the school and must immediately stand aside,” he said.

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