A teacher who sported a Palestinian Flag at the Open Day of a Cambridge Sixth Form College, has been told that the flag was not appropriate.
One of the parents who was touring Hills Road Sixth Form College, along with her daughter, on the College’s Open Day on 6 July, was shocked to see that a teacher in the Sociology department was wearing a Palestinian flag. He was challenged over this flag by the parent, who was particularly offended, given that she was Israeli and Jewish. An argument ensued between the teacher and the parent over the flag and over their views of events in the Middle East.
UKLFI has written to Hills Road Sixth Form College, pointing out that the teacher has a duty to be balanced in his approach to political affairs, and to be sporting a Palestinian flag at an Open Day shows that he is far from balanced. According to section 407 (1) of the Education Act 1996 “the local education 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.
UKLFI also pointed out that teachers wearing a Palestinian flag are likely to offend and intimidate. This would create a hostile atmosphere for Jews, Israelis and supporters of Israel.
According to section 85(3) of the Equalities Act 2010, a school must not harass a pupil or a person who has applied for admission as a pupil. Harassment is defined in the Act as “creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment” for the affected party.
Hills Road School have responded to UKLFI saying: “Thank you for your letter and for bringing this to our attention. This issue had already been discussed with the teacher after being noticed by another staff member and the messaging on what is appropriate will be more widely shared for any avoidance of doubt.”
Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI commented: “We are pleased that the school has taken action to ensure that its staff do not wear inappropriate political badges on school premises.”