Rabat – The Administrative Court of Fez has annulled a controversial decision issued by the administration of Al Akhawayn School in Ifrane, which had barred 14 students from re-enrollment for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Earlier this year, several families were taken aback when Al Akhawayn School, a preparatory institution affiliated with Al Akhawayn University, notified them that their children would not be allowed to continue their studies.
The decision affected 14 students and triggered a wave of objections from parents, who denounced the move as arbitrary.
In its defense, the school stated that the measure, initiated nearly six months ago, was not directed against the children but rather against what it described as the repeated misconduct of certain parents.
According to an official statement, the institution accused seven families of engaging in “intimidation and harassment” against teachers, administrators, and even other parents.
The school claimed such practices created a hostile environment that forced the resignation of four successive principals and several teachers, placing strain on its educational mission.
The school also alleged that the parents sought to take on the role of the School Board and administration by exerting pressure to sway decisions on matters such as staffing, textbook selection, teaching approaches, budget allocation, and the use of technology.
The administration further alleged that, at times, the confrontational behavior extended to the children of other families, fostering what it called an “unsafe learning environment.”
The Fez Administrative Court’s ruling cancels the school’s refusal to re-enroll the 14 students, effectively restoring their right to education at the institution.
The judgment marks a legal victory for the families, who argued that children should not bear the consequences of disputes between parents and the school’s administration.
The case has drawn attention to the delicate balance between school governance and parental involvement in Morocco’s private education sector.
The issue began after tuition fees were suddenly raised, with some parents reporting increases of up to 200% compared to the previous year. Families argued that these higher costs were unjustified given what they described as a decline in educational quality and services.
Parents also claimed the school lacks a clear curriculum, alleging that some teachers relied on AI tools such as ChatGPT to prepare lessons. They also criticized the practice of grouping students from different grade levels in the same classroom, calling it a “chaotic” learning environment.
The controversy has also been fueled by questions over the eligibility of the school’s director, Emmanuel Lacoste, a foreign national whose appointment, parents argue, violates Moroccan regulations requiring certain school directors to hold Moroccan citizenship.
Parents further objected to what they described as Lacoste’s authoritarian management style, which they linked to his past service in the US Marine Corps. They alleged that he often discusses his military background with students and is frequently absent due to his simultaneous role managing another school in California.
