THE ACT government has dismissed calls for an independent inquiry over growing concerns that school principals are victims of increasing violence. A recent joint university study has indicated that parents and students physically assaulting Canberra principals are the most prevalent in the country. More than 57 per cent of principals reported to have experienced physical violence while 55 per cent also confirmed they have suffered verbal threats of violence. The Deakin and Australian Catholic universities report comes after principals had less face-to-face contact during the pandemic amid schools either closing down or students being eased back into the classroom. Around 40 per cent of principals across Australia in 2019 were victims of physical violence compared to 27.3 per cent in 2011 in a similar national survey.