Families living in fear of racial harassment amid ‘provocative nationalism’ in UK, headteachers’ union boss Pepe Di’Iasio warns
Pupils and their families are living in fear of racist abuse and violence amid “inflammatory nationalism”, the teachers’ union boss will warn.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), is set to voice concerns about some politicians’ rhetoric on immigration and the divisive role of social media platforms.
The warning follows an ASCL survey that found more than a third (36%) of school and college leaders reported that students or teachers had experienced racist abuse during their journey to and from school.
The union’s intervention comes as the government recently announced a social cohesion strategy aimed at promoting integration, combating religious hatred and curbing extremist influences.
In his speech at ASCL’s annual conference, Mr Di’Iasio is expected to say: “I worry when I see some politicians talking about immigration as a problem that needs to be solved, engaging in a sort of arms race over how harshly to treat those seeking asylum in our country.
“I worry when I see flags tied to lampposts, like we did last summer; it seems like a brand of provocative nationalism rather than proud patriotism.
“I worry about the role social media platforms will play in reinforcing these divisions by allowing people with strong views to be drawn into echo chambers where those views are endlessly amplified.
“I realize others may have a different view. They may think this is simply a matter of citizens exercising their right to free speech and publishing issues of legitimate concern.
“But I encourage everyone to be mindful of the language they use. Words and actions have real-world consequences.”
“They create an environment where we see many of our students, staff, and families living in fear and experiencing racial harassment and even violence.”
ASCL’s survey of 567 school and college leaders found more than a third (38%) said their students and staff were concerned that they or their families had been at risk of racist harassment or attack in the past year.
One in 10 (11%) said the harassment students or staff experience on the way to or from school consists of physical attacks.
Asked whether she agreed with concerns about divisions, Education Minister Bridget Phillipson told reporters: “I believe we are a tolerant, diverse nation where we have shared values and celebrate our national identity.
“This should be inclusive, we should all be able to celebrate our national identity, the flags that represent the nations in our union, and that is important.
“And of course schools have an important role to play in ensuring young people are well equipped for the world to come and emerge from school as engaged citizens.”
Principals who responded to the survey said they were concerned about tensions fueled by social media, anti-immigration rhetoric and campaigns to display St George’s flags.
Two in five (40%) said racist incidents affecting students and teachers increased last year compared to the previous year.
Mr Di’Iasio is expected to say social media platforms should take more responsibility for moderating sites and removing harmful content.
“If they won’t do it voluntarily, they should be made to do so through regulation,” he added.
A majority of executives (90%) said stronger social media platform regulations could help address racist attitudes and behavior and greater attention to the language politicians use on immigration (83%).
The government has launched a consultation on keeping children safe online; They discussed whether there should be an Australian-style ban on children’s use of social media and at what age it could start.
But MPs voted earlier in the week to reject a peer-backed amendment to the Welfare of Children and Schools Act to ban social media for under-16s.
