A teacher at Greig City Academy in Hornsey, North London wore a keffiyeh at a recent parents’ evening, shocking Jewish parents.

The black-and-white keffiyeh head scarf has become an emblem of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. However, supporters of Israel see the chequered scarf as a sign of support for the actions of Hamas, as Israel wages its defensive war against the terrorist organisation following the 7 October massacre of over 1200 Jews and kidnapping of over 250 people including babies, children and the elderly.  Thousands of people have worn keffiyehs in huge protests in Britain and elsewhere in support of the Palestinians and calling for a ceasefire in the conflict.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has written to Greig Academy’s principal, following complaints about the Keffiyeh.

UKLFI has pointed out that the keffiyeh is a divisive piece of clothing, symbolising backing for the Palestinian cause, and conversely, opposition to the Israeli cause.  It is an unsuitable and partisan piece of clothing for a teacher to wear at school.

UKLFI has also explained that Section 407 of the Education Act 1996 ,which applies to state schools, states that the local authority, governing body and head teacher shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils while they are (a) in attendance at a maintained school, or (b) taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised for registered pupils at the school by or on behalf of the school,  they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views.

Greig City Academy is likely to have a specific clause in its funding agreement which requires adherence to the same provisions.

The teacher should not be exhibiting his partisan political views at a parents’ evening, giving the impression that he exhibits similar partisan views by wearing the keffiyeh in class. If he wears the keffiyeh in school, he is inevitably bringing political issues to the attention of the students.

UKLFI has asked Greig Academy to confirm that it will not allow teachers at the school to display overtly their political preferences on the school premises.

Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI commented: “It is clear that schools should not allow teachers to wear political clothing or symbols on school premises.  We hope that Greig Academy will ensure that its teachers do not do so in the future.”