After the verdict against the principal in Västerbotten - Sweden's school leaders want to see the appeal

Since July 1, 2025, principals are obliged under the School Act to report suspected crimes committed by students in connection with school activities to the police, unless there are compelling reasons to the contrary.

According to Sweden's school leaders, this is the first time that a principal has been convicted of misconduct for not having reported a suspected crime between students to the police.

It was during the fall semester last year that a boy in middle school allegedly subjected a girl to violence and abuse on two occasions.

The Umeå district court judged that the principal, due to negligence, neglected his duties when he did not file a police report. He was sentenced to daily fines totaling SEK 18,900.

"Obviously must follow the law"

The union wants the verdict to be appealed to the Court of Appeal. It is believed that the judgment raises questions of principle about the exercise of authority and distribution of responsibility that need to be examined in a higher instance.

- Principals must of course follow the law. But this is the first judgment of its kind and it raises questions that need to be addressed, says Ann-Charlotte Gavelin Rydman, confederation president of Sweden's School Leaders.

The school had taken action

The verdict has caused concern and strong reactions among school leaders, according to a reader survey carried out by the newspaper Skollederen. Several are critical of the fact that the principal was convicted, despite the fact that the school had taken several measures and the incidents had already been reported to the police. The trade union believes that it may happen that principals start reporting to the police for safety's sake.

- This can lead to more reports and more administrative work without making the children safer. The principals must ensure that the principals have clear procedures, legal support and clear information about who is responsible, says Ann-Charlotte Gavelin

The man's lawyer Petter Hetta has not yet made a decision regarding the appeal.