Parents of 19 boys suspended from Laurelhill Community College have called for an internal investigation

The Education Authority has also been asked to directly step in by the parents who say they are “defending our children” as fellow students reach out with eyewitness accounts.

The male students were suspended for one day, January 9, with the principal raising “toxic masculinity” concerns amid perceived “intimidation” of female substitute teachers.

A group of parents, now representing all 19 boys, have given permission for a spokesperson to comment to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The spokesperson said: “The initial reason for 19 suspended students, all male, in one assembly was in the principal’s words, behavioural issues, laughing, being disruptive, making noises. The masculine toxicity was forced upon parents and mentioned for the first time on Monday January 12.

“The 19 male students have never been accused of causing any harm, intimidation, sexual intent or malicious behaviour towards female students or teachers.

"As parents we know our children are not angels and will perhaps misbehave, laugh, giggle. However they do not in any circumstance abuse, threaten or intimidate female teachers as evidenced in recorded parent teacher interviews.

“We are simply defending our children. We would ask for public support and to be mindful not to make assumptions or label these children.

“We are aware of the sensitivities surrounding this issue and fully support appropriate punishment in school and at home for negative behaviours.”

A number of fellow students who were not involved, but present at the assembly have now also contacted the LDRS to express claims of “unfair” suspensions with “girls also laughing” at the Assembly, but only boys suspended.

The LDRS has also seen an official letter from a parent to the board of governors which raises concerns of their son’s “emotional and mental wellbeing” after being made to feel like a “villain”.

The parents’ spokesperson added: “We would also wish to inform the public that approximately eight students recognised their immaturity may have caused hurt so the boys took it upon themselves to locate their principal in a busy corridor to apologise.

“During parental communications, the principal first stated that she felt intimidated by these actions, now claims the boys did not approach her to apologise and if they did, she would have accepted that apology.

"We would appeal to the board of governors to investigate the use of corridor CCTV.

“Many of the 19 boys are now fearful to attend school, they are stressed and worried. While the EA states and promotes open communication, we look forward to hearing from them at some point regarding this matter. "

A spokesperson for the EA said: “The EA has been advised that a series of meetings with parents have been taking place.

"Issues of this nature are best resolved within a school community, rather than through public commentary.

“It is therefore important for pupils, parents/carers and schools to be given the space to work through difficult issues.

"We will continue to provide support to the school in maintaining a welcoming, safe and respectful environment for all pupils and staff.

“We can confirm that the board of governors will be carrying out a review into this matter.”