MONROVIA – Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), a civil society organization, has strongly condemned the Liberia National Police (LNP) for its “reckless” use of tear gas against student protesters from the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS). In a press statement issued Tuesday, March 25, 2025, STAND denounced the police response as excessive and unjustified, arguing that the students were exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest against the government’s failure to pay public school teachers and the deteriorating state of the education system.
The student demonstration, sparked by months of unpaid salaries and crumbling school infrastructure, reportedly led to injuries among some of the protesters. STAND described the incident as an avoidable crisis that could have been resolved through constructive dialogue rather than force. The organization asserted that the students’ grievances were legitimate, highlighting the government’s continued neglect of the education sector while prioritizing extravagant spending on top officials.
“This should serve as a warning to the administration,” the statement read. “Instead of addressing the needs of Liberia’s youth, the government is squandering public funds to sustain the lavish lifestyles of officials while our schools remain in ruins.”
STAND criticized President Joseph Boakai’s leadership, accusing his administration of fostering corruption and failing to take decisive action to improve education. The group pointed to poor school infrastructure, unpaid teachers, and a lack of basic learning materials as evidence of the government’s “deliberate assault” on Liberia’s future.
“The reckless neglect of the education sector is not just a failure of leadership—it is a betrayal of Liberia’s youth and a ticking time bomb that threatens the very foundation of our society,” STAND declared.
The organization also called on the LNP to immediately end its violent suppression of peaceful protests, emphasizing that the right to assemble is fundamental and must be protected. STAND warned that using excessive force against students demanding a better education sets a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic governance.
STAND further urged President Boakai to declare the crisis in the education sector a national emergency. The group demanded immediate action, including the full payment of teachers’ salaries, significant investment in school infrastructure, and comprehensive reforms to prevent further decline. Anything less, STAND stated, would amount to a “catastrophic failure of leadership” and an intentional act of oppression against Liberia’s children.
In the meantime, STAND called on students to remain calm and urged teachers to return to their classrooms while the organization engages with the government to resolve the salary arrears issue.
