WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH 2003
War in Iraq the impact on schools:advice from the NUT
The National Union of Teachers today urgesschools to be ready to deal with any increase in racism particularlyIslamophobia and anti-semitism as a result of the possible war in Iraq and thecontinuing instability in the Middle East.
Refugee, Muslim and Jewish pupils and staff are at particular risk of being targeted for abuse by other pupils and adults both from inside and outside the schools, says the Union in its advice to members, War in Iraq the impact on schools.
Some pupils may also have particularworries about relatives or friends in the armed forces or resident in the Gulfregion. They may display signs of disturbance including unusual tiredness, lackof concentration or emotional instability. Others may be frightened by pictureson television and believe the events they have seen could happen in their area.
Children and young people are no moreimmune from the anxieties and fierce debate triggered by the crises thanadults.
The Union points out that during the Gulfwar in 1991 there was an increase of racist bullying of Muslim pupils inschools. In the recent past, far right groups have leafleted parentsencouraging them to remove their children from religious education lessonsproviding information on Islam.
The Unions advice says that pupils fromminority ethnic and religious groups as well as those with relatives or friendsinvolved in any military action may need support in dealing with the emotionalproblems that may arise.
Also, there may be a hardening of viewsamongst the school community on issues such as Islam, asylum and immigration,particularly in the context of terrorism.
Addressing the issues with pupils may helpto avoid racist attacks and abuse and ensure that pupils are given a morebalanced view than may be provided by the media, says the advice.
The Union points to world studies and religiouseducation about world faiths as providing opportunities for information anddiscussion at both primary and secondary levels. The new citizenship coursesalso provide a vehicle for discussing the war in Iraq and the conflict in theMiddle East.
Discussions might be helpful on conflictresolution but the Union emphasises that these should not seek to undermine thebeliefs of individuals about the rightness or justice of the war.
Parents and pupils hold a wide range ofdifferent beliefs and no attempt should be made to take a politically partisanapproach or one which belittles a particular set of opinions. A balancedapproach to discussion will allow all pupils to participate and benefit fromthe exercise.
The Union says the aim of schools should beto ensure that every child feels valuedand secure in the school as a safe place to explore differences and conflictingviews.
Pupils should be reminded of the respectdue to all ethnic groups, and above all, prejudice should be countered andreplaced with information, and respect should be fostered throughout the schoolas a community.
Commenting, Doug McAvoy, NUT GeneralSecretary, said:
The turbulent times we are living inpresent challenges to teachers for which they must be prepared. Their early intervention and action to dealwith any problems will help diffuse the situation before it escalates.
Pupils and staff have a right to work inan atmosphere free of fear and threats or violence. By being prepared, teacherscan do much to ensure an atmosphere of calm security for themselves and theirpupils.
Schools are not isolated from the widercommunity and the problems and tensions which exist in society do not remainoutside the school gates. But schools can do much to calm fears and use childrensnatural curiosity to dispel myths and fictions about different ethnic andreligious groups and what is happening.
Teachers must not express any partisanviews in their discussion with pupils and students.
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For further information contact: Olive Forsythe tel: 020 7380 4706 (office) 020 8313 1692 (weekdayevenings) or if all else fails 07879 480061.