Rasta student who sued Achimota over rejection joins school’s NSMQ team

Tyrone Iras Marhguy, the Rastafarian student who made headlines in 2021 for his legal battle against a school that initially rejected his admission, has once again captured the public’s attention.

This time, the school has confirmed that Marhguy is a valued member of their team for the upcoming National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) championship, scheduled to take place later this year.

In a social media post shared by the school, a photo features Marhguy standing proudly alongside his fellow contestants from the esteemed institution during a trial session for the NSMQ.

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The post not only acknowledges Marhguy’s presence but also encourages the school community to rally behind the team, supporting and equipping them for a successful competition.

However, the announcement has elicited mixed reactions on social media, with some users celebrating Marhguy’s resilience and determination while others criticize the school for what they perceive as shamelessly parading him as one of their potential contestants after initially rejecting his admission.

To fully grasp the significance of Marhguy’s journey, it is important to understand the background that led to his legal battle and subsequent triumph.

In March 2021, Marhguy was denied admission to the school despite being assigned to it by the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

The school authorities, with strong support from the alumni association, argued that Marhguy’s Rastafarian appearance, specifically his dreadlocked hair, violated the school’s rules and regulations.

They further claimed that allowing him admission had the potential to breed indiscipline within the school community. Unwilling to accept this discriminatory treatment, Marhguy took the school to court.

In May 2021, the Human Rights Court 1 Division of the High Court in Accra ruled in Marhguy’s favor, ordering Achimota School to admit him.

This legal victory not only highlighted the importance of equal access to education but also emphasized the protection of individual rights. Despite the obstacles he faced, Marhguy exhibited extraordinary academic prowess.

Although he had not attended classes like his peers, he excelled in his end-of-semester examinations, achieving outstanding scores in Elective Mathematics and Integrated Science, surpassing his fellow science classmates.

Recognizing Marhguy’s exceptional abilities, the school’s administration subsequently selected him to join their prestigious NSMQ team solely on the basis of merit.

Now in his final year, Marhguy is set to lead the school’s NSMQ team in this year’s program—an achievement that speaks volumes about his determination and intellectual capacity.

Supporters of Marhguy, who have been inspired by his resilience and accomplishments, are using this opportunity to call out the school authorities for their initial attempt to deny him his right to education and suppress his brilliance.

By showcasing Marhguy’s achievements and involvement in the NSMQ team, they aim to shed light on the unjust treatment he faced and the undeniable value he brings to the school community.

Marhguy’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity, fairness, and recognizing talent irrespective of appearance or background.

It exemplifies the resilience of individuals who stand up against discrimination and fight for their rights, ultimately paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society.