Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Acknowledged
High anti-Muslim abuse in schools shows unmet need for education and inclusive environments.
Conclusion
Schools have a vital role in tackling anti-Muslim abuse. First, through education on Muslim culture and heritage and the positive role Muslim communities have played in shaping the multicultural Britain that exists today, and providing challenge to distorted narratives of Muslimness portrayed on social media, and in parts of mainstream media and politics. Secondly, by fostering social cohesion and creating an inclusive environment where Muslim students feel safe, where they know that anti- Muslim behaviour will be called out and addressed and experiences of harassment can be reported in the knowledge that action will be taken. The high level of anti-Muslim abuse reported to Tell Mama that takes place in educational settings suggests there is still much work to be done. (Conclusion, Paragraph 113)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges schools' duties under the Equality Act and safeguarding policies, and will convene a roundtable to address anti-Muslim hostility in schools and publish resources, but doesn't commit to specific actions addressing the issues raised.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
80. Muslim students and staff should be able to receive an education without the threat of harassment or racial abuse, and we welcome the Committee’s recommendation here. There is no place for hate or prejudice in our education system. Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must not discriminate against, harass or victimise a pupil because of a characteristic protected by the Act. 81. The Public Sector Equality Duty requires public bodies, including maintained schools and Academies, to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and other conduct prohibited by the Act; advance equality of opportunity for people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; and foster good relations across all characteristics. The Department for Education has published guidance for schools on how to comply with their duties under the Equality Act 2010. 82. Schools also have legal duties to safeguard pupils and determine measures to prevent all forms of bullying, which would include hate incidents motivated by hostility toward a person’s religion or race. 83. Safeguarding and behaviour policies are already implemented in schools to address anti-Muslim hostility as well as other forms of prejudice. Nevertheless, we aim to establish consistent best practices across England and consider additional measures where necessary. To initiate this process, DFE and MHCLG will convene a Tackling Anti-Muslim Hostility Roundtable, inviting input from educational and community representatives on this significant issue. This serves as a first step to help the Government in addressing anti-Muslim hostility in schools, coming alongside advice we have published on promoting Fundamental British Values on gov.uk and resources made available for schools to challenge anti-Muslim hostility on Educate Against Hate. 84. The Government will procure and publish further anti-Muslim hostility resources on Educate Against Hate in the next financial year to help, both staff and students alike, recognise anti-Muslim discrimination and abuse.