ABHORRENT
Hundreds of pupils call on school to take action after racist tweet is sent from official account
HUNDREDS of students have signed an open letter calling on a school to take “action against racist conduct” after an “abhorrent” message was tweeted from an official account.
More than 400 past and present pupils of Lenzie Academy, near Glasgow, have backed the statement, which was set to be sent to headteacher Brian Paterson last night.
It comes after council chiefs launched a probe into a tweet – sent from the school physics department’s account last week – which mocked the #TakeTheKnee campaign, launched in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
The tweet, which has since been deleted, read: “#TakeTheKnee? Aye you can f*** right off ”. East Dunbartonshire Council confirmed it had launched a probe. Depute CEO of education, people and business, Ann Davie, said the post was “absolutely abhorrent”.
Former pupil Laura Pollock, who left the school in 2017, has written a letter in response to the incident.
In it, she claims there is a wider problem with racism at the school. Laura wrote:
“We are all disgusted by the tweet sent by the official Lenzie Academy physics department Twitter account.
“We support the action for this to be investigated by the department for education and trust they will take suitable action against the perpetrator. But we believe further action must be taken.”
The letter called for “measures to change the behaviour of pupils” to bring the school “into the 21st century of values and ideals of education, equality and kindness”.
Laura added: “We recognise the majority of staff are exceptional in their teaching and support of pupils.
“Unfortunately, there is a minority who are having a detrimental impact through their behaviour and complacency.”
The letter calls on the school to set up a dedicated panel addressing problems surrounding racism and discrimination.
Davie said the tweet is being investigated by police and support would be given to pupils. She added: “East Dunbartonshire Council will not tolerate any racist behaviour or attitudes within our schools or in any other aspect of council activity.
“I have written to parents/ carers of pupils at Lenzie Academy and have taken steps to ensure support is available for any parent/carer and/or pupil who has any concerns regarding this.”