Terrorist Attacks - Advice from the National Union of Teachers

13 July 2005

The National Union of Teachers is advising teachers to be prepared for increased tension between pupils from different ethnic and religious groups, already seen in some areas, following the terrorist attacks in London and the evacuation of Birmingham city centre.

Minority ethnic teachers, particularly Muslim teachers, may also be vulnerable both from some pupils and some parents, says the NUT.

The advice from the NUT will arrive in schools throughout England and Wales in the next few days and is already on the NUT’s website at www.teachers.org.uk.

Steve Sinnott, NUT General Secretary, said:

“The terrorists actions were timed to coincide with workers and pupils travelling to offices and schools.  We are determined that they will not cause division in our schools.

“Pupils and teachers, particularly those from minority ethnic groups, must be protected from the abuse and threats which can arise out of ignorance and prejudice. The best way to deal with such problems is to bring them out in the open, to discuss them and ensure that all involved understand that racism is not acceptable.

“Pupils and teachers must be able to carry on their normal lives free from fear. Each member of our community has the right to be treated with respect and have the freedom to carry on their normal lives without any apprehension for their own safety and well being because of their membership of a particular minority ethnic group or religion.

“In our document “Bringing Down The Barriers” we set about meeting the challenge of creating a world where terrorism and poverty truly become history. We do this by bringing people together and through education. Teachers throughout our country are this very day having to answer the questions of pupils. They and colleagues throughout the world know that their responsibility is to encourage an understanding of peace and justice. This starts in the classroom. Nothing will deflect us from meeting that challenge.”

The  guidance is  intended to help stop tension and fear being created in schools. Negative and stereotyped views of Islam and Muslims contribute to prejudice. Teachers should be especially vigilant for signs of name calling, abuse and bullying, particularly of Muslim pupils, and any signs of tension between pupils from different ethnic groups.

Early recognition and intervention by teachers will help diffuse the situation and prevent it escalating.

The NUT emphasises that no attempt should be made to take a politically partisan approach or one which belittles a particular set of opinions. A balanced approach to any discussion will allow all pupils to participate and benefit.

It is vitally important that schools enable pupils to understand that fundamentalism, fanaticism and terrorism can and do exist within all religions.

Schools should reiterate to teachers, pupils and parents, their rejection of racial harassment and the procedures for tackling it. Any racist or religious taunting should be firmly and sensitively dealt with by teachers immediately.

Pupils’ factual knowledge and understanding of events can be improved through the curriculum. Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and education about world faiths could provide opportunities for information and discussion at both primary and secondary levels.

The aim must be to ensure that every child feels valued and secure and that school is a safe place to explore differences and conflicting views. Above all, prejudice should be countered and replaced with information, and respect should be fostered throughout the school.

Many pupils may have fears for the safety of relatives or friends caught up in the events, particularly in London. These may affect their emotional well-being and ability to concentrate or participate fully in school life. Help from outside agencies such as bereavement counsellors may be available.

Helping pupils express their  fears may help them cope. It may also be useful to give pupils a chance to discuss their worries openly and to get the dangers into perspective.

Teachers dealing with pupils’ emotional difficulties arising from the events may need assistance in coping with the emotional demands made on them. Support from other members of staff should be built into the whole school approach.