Sheffield parent 'impressed' with anonymous headteacher's letter to educate children on anti-racism

A Sheffield parent said they are ‘proud’ of their child’s headteacher for showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
A Sheffield parent has praised their child's headteacher for speaking out on the importance of anti-racism.A Sheffield parent has praised their child's headteacher for speaking out on the importance of anti-racism.
A Sheffield parent has praised their child's headteacher for speaking out on the importance of anti-racism.

It comes after a headteacher in the city, who has asked to remain anonymous, wrote a letter to parents and guardians urging them to educate their children about what it means to be anti-racist.

The message was written following global protests to support the Black Lives Matter movement after George Floyd, a black American man died in police custody.

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In an open letter, the headteacher said: “As a school, in a predominantly white area, we have a huge responsibility to ensure that children of all races recognise the existence of white privilege and white supremacy.

“The terrible situation in America can be turned into a positive if it becomes the catalyst for an honest and open conversation with your children.”

Guardians were encouraged to watch videos on decolonising the curriculum and deconstructing racism, before having open conversations with pupils in the city, as schools remain closed.

An unnamed Sheffield parent, whose child attends the school, said she felt ‘really proud’ to receive the letter and is impressed by the head’s message.

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"I was just really impressed, really proud, it made me feel really emotional,” she said.

"I think people in leadership have a responsibility to take a strong stance on anti-racism.

"It is not enough to just not be racist but proactively anti-racist is so important and I'm really proud that, that leadership is at my child's school.”

The care-giver, who said other parents have welcomed the letter, urged other professionals in positions of power to use their influence to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

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She explained why it’s so important for young people to grow up challenging all types of racism.

"Children want to learn and are inquisitive, they need to know what is going on around them”, the parent added.

"We need to learn more first and then feel empowered to have those conversations with our children.

"That's our responsibility as parents, racism is learnt and so anti-racism needs to be learnt as well.”