The Samoa ministry of education has asked for a written explanation from the principal of Vaimauga College on why nine students were expelled.
The expulsion took place when the students refused to respect the hoisting of the national flag at the school's assembly, citing their religious beliefs.
The nine students are Jehovah's Witnesses.
But the college principal is denying the expulsion of the students as reported.
The chief executive of the education ministry, Tautapilimai Tupae Esera, says parents can take their children to a school where their religious teachings are embraced.
