🦸🏾‍♀️Ssaid.✌🏾

NEU statement on the violent, racist and Islamophobic disorder seen across England and Northern Ireland NEU expresses its sincerest condolences to the families and school communities of Southport who, at this time, are grieving the devastating loss of three young girls: Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar. The exploitation by far-right groups of the violent, heartbreaking attack on children is truly shameful. Our communities have come under attack through deplorable acts of racist and Islamophobic violence, in which we have seen attacks on homes, mosques, Muslim-owned businesses, and arson attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers. There are many children who are going to bed at night worried and frightened by events taking place in their communities - we cannot stand by and allow this to happen. Our members, who believe in the power of education, will take the lead in challenging racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism and in challenging harmful prejudices and stereotyping about migrant families. We value the many positive aspects that migration and immigrants bring to our Union, our movement and our country as well as the benefits for all of us in living in a society that is welcoming and inclusive. We recognise that many years of irresponsible rhetoric by politicians and in sections of the British media have created a climate that threatens the social cohesion of this country and our progress towards a more equal society. This violence must provide a watershed moment for change. Divisive, hateful language and negative, racist stereotypes have a real and immediate impact on classrooms and on the wellbeing of students and educators. This threatens the possibility of progress toward greater race equality in education, employment or wider society. The current curriculum review must respond to these urgent social issues and investigate how to build an anti-racist curriculum that boosts engagement, self-esteem and a sense of belonging for every child. The trade union movement has a strong and vibrant history of opposing racism and fascism. The National Education Union stands in the tradition of our member Blair Peach. We will support rallies, protests and initiatives called by Stand Up To Racism as a non-violent counter to the hatred manifesting on our streets. We encourage our members to extend practical support and solidarity to those who are facing racist attacks. We urge all districts and branches to contact local mosques, refugee centres and solidarity groups to offer the union's solidarity and support. Our children have the right to grow up without fear. We must stand together across our movement and our communities to stand up for human rights, social justice and using education to counter racism.