Outcry as Christian school in Muslim area takes cross off badge
PARENTS are furious after a Christian school in an area with a high Muslim population removed the cross from its logo.
the religious symbol was erased from the emblem of Oak Church of england Primary school just two months after it opened.
Parents claim the school changed the logo after complaints, in order to avoid offending people of other faiths.
they said the school’s decision to represent ‘ many beliefs’ in its ‘diverse community’ flew in the face of its Anglican roots – and Muslim parents did not have a problem with the cross on the badge.
the Huddersfield school, which has 1,100 pupils, was created by the merger of three primary schools, and opened after easter.
An oak tree logo featuring a cross was designed by a pupil in a competition.
but last week a new emblem was issued on a school newsletter, with the cross replaced by three branches of a tree.
Parent Chelsea Fox said she was upset over the claims it was removed after complaints that it was offensive. she said: ‘ the offensive card is always played and this one time i was proud of something, only to have it snatched back. i’m not only disappointed, i’m disgusted.
‘Yes it has remained a Church of england school as it is the church that keeps it open. that needs to be given more respect.
‘thank the church for your children’s school instead of complaining about a logo.’
Parents say the school changed the badge after complaints, but Kirklees Council insisted the original logo had been ‘temporary’.
When the schools merged, chil- dren were given stickers with the cross logo to cover up their old school badges. A handful of uniforms were made with that logo, but they were never put on sale.
A letter to parents from headmaster David bendall claimed the logo with a cross had never been confirmed as the final version. some parents have said they will refuse to put their children in uniforms bearing the redesigned emblem.
Niki trepak, who has four children at the school, said: ‘staff have said people have complained about the cross yet the head is saying it was only temporary. Why would you make temporary banners and produce temporary uniforms?
‘i’ve got quite a few Muslim friends at the school and i asked them, “Does the cross offend you?” And they said, “No.” this isn’t about race, it’s the fact that they’ve removed the cross so as to not offend people. if it’s going to remain a Church of england school it should keep the cross.’
Mr bendall said: ‘the logo featuring a cross was a temporary design whilst we made the transition to becoming Oak Primary school. it was not confirmed as the final logo and was amended to give more prominence to the tree, which not only reflects the school name but is also an ancient symbol representing many beliefs.
‘Changing the design to include three branches also meant we could signify the way Oak Primary was formed, which was three schools joining together as one.
‘the decision was made jointly by governors and the diocese and the change does not in any way alter the identity or ethos of our school.’
He said he hoped that people would agree the school’s logo was ‘only a symbol’.