The Church of England said there is no truth in claims that children attending schools in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds are being “indoctrinated” and taught “a pyramid of white supremacy”.
Stories were published in the Daily Mail and Telegraph over the weekend which criticised the way that racial studies are taught in schools in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
The articles accused the Church of teaching children to feel guilty about racism which comes about through collective social failings.
They specifically took issue with a graphic in guidance available on the diocese’s website, which explained how smaller incidents of racism which are ignored can grow into systemic failings and serious discrimination.
The Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison is the Bishop of Dunwich, and Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education.
He said that many of the claims made in the national articles are not true.
“At no point is there any ‘indoctrination’ or ‘inculcation’ of political or racial guilt in anybody,” he said. “This is guidance which is offered, and we trust our teachers to provide sensitive and age-appropriate ways of engaging with the issue of racial injustice.”
He stressed that no part of the guidance is mandatory.
Revd Harrison also said that this guidance is not new, and has in fact been available on the Diocese’s website for more than three years.
It is also not unique to the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich; this guidance originally came from the Diocese of Coventry and is used by other Diocese around the country.
Some of these resources are also not intended to be used in the classroom.
Revd Harrison said that so far, the resources available have been mainly used in staff meetings, to aid discussion between staff members.
Revd Harrison continued: “Whether we like it or not, racism is a reality in society. Unfortunately, both children and staff experience racism in communities every day.
“We want to help people to engage in our schools with the difficult issue of racial justice, because it does exist, and we don't want to dodge the fact that it exists. We want to address racial injustice in ways that encourage our staff and our students to be aware of this.”
Some have praised the Church for its tackling of racism.
Lara Uzokwe is the manager of the Karibu African Women's Support Group, which is based in Burlington Road in Ipswich.
Ms Uzokwe said: “I have to commend the Church of England for issuing this guidance on teaching children about racism to their schools; because in the absence of a family home for some children where they can be taught the right and wrong of things, schools are the next best places to learn these important values.
“Racism is totally wrong and the earlier children learn and appreciate this, the better and safer our society will be.”
Jane Sheat is the Diocesan Director of Education at the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
She said: “The Diocese recognises that racism sadly exists in our society and as such all staff are committed to creating an inclusive and safe space for our children to learn.
“Education has an important role to play in combatting prejudice and we trust teachers to teach all subjects in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner.”
“We are proud of the way children at our schools champion equality and diversity.”
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