Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Schools should consider whether the promotion of politically controversial terminology, including White Privilege, is consistent...
Conclusion
Schools should consider whether the promotion of politically controversial terminology, including White Privilege, is consistent with their duties under the Equality Act 2010. The Department should take steps to ensure that young people are not inadvertently being inducted into political movements when what is required is balanced, age- appropriate discussion and a curriculum that equips young people to thrive in diverse and multi-cultural communities throughout their lives and work. The Department The forgotten: how White working-class pupils have been let down, and how to change it 57 should issue clear guidance for schools and other Department-affiliated organisations receiving grants from the Department on how to deliver teaching on these complex issues in a balanced, impartial and age-appropriate way. (Paragraph 29) The extent of the achievement gap for disadvantaged White pupils
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
21. Schools play a crucial role in helping pupils understand the world around them and their place within it, and in teaching about respect for other people and for difference. Schools must not promote partisan political views and should take steps to ensure the balanced treatment of political issues. Schools should not teach contested theories and opinions as fact, and this includes contested views about ‘white privilege’. Political issues relating to racial and social justice can be taught about in a balanced and factual manner, just as pupils are often taught about a range of different views on other topics. 22. These are important principles to uphold, and we have already begun working with the sector to develop guidance which will help schools understand and meet their duties in this area. This guidance will support schools to teach about complex political issues, in line with their legal duties on political impartiality, covering factors including age-appropriateness and the use of external agencies. 23. It is important that teachers can teach about sensitive and complex issues with confidence that they are doing so in line with schools’ legal duties. Schools continue to play an important role in supporting pupils to understand the society in which they are growing up, promoting tolerance and respect for other people and for difference.