Parents Arrested for WhatsApp Criticism of Hertfordshire School

Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine, parents from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, were arrested in January after expressing concerns about their daughter's primary school in a WhatsApp group and via emails, leading to accusations of harassment and malicious communications. The couple had previously been banned from Cowley Hill Primary School after their critical comments were deemed upsetting to school staff. Six police officers arrested them at their home, resulting in an 11-hour detention, but the police later concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges. Hertfordshire’s chief constable acknowledged that the police response was excessive, admitting that a different approach could have been taken. The incident has raised concerns about censorship and government overreach in the UK, particularly regarding parental rights to question school policies. The couple described their experience as 'dystopian,' highlighting the chilling effect that such actions could have on free speech.