By Sheila Mckenzie-
A school in Rotherham made a last-minute u-turn after pupils were told that they could not wear England football shirts during a non-uniform day, in order to consider people from other cultures.
Pupils at Brinsworth Academy were told that the reasoning behind the policy was to avoid the possibility of upsetting children from “other cultures” by wearing their national football shirts.
Parents were incensed at the rule, which appeared to be preventing British children from celebrating the sporting glory of the country, after England got to the were excited to support their national team – however, the school reversed the decision in a last-minute text this morning.
A parent of the school by the name of David Blore said that his little boy, who is in year seven at Brinsworth Academy, “came home disappointed” yesterday and told his dad that teachers had banned football shirts.
The angry parent has condemned the original decision which was blind to the importance of allowing British children to fully celebrate the historical football success if the Uk in Euro 2021.
Mr Blore today told reporters gathered at the school: “They communicated it by text message and staff told the pupils. My son came home today (Thursday) disappointed and told us the reasons the school had given.
“The pupils are saying that staff have given the reason of not offending other cultures. I’ve also heard this first hand.
“[My son] plays football for his local team and I run that team so, from a football fan’s point of view, I can understand the disappointment for all of them.”
Children at the school had been feeling on top of the world wearing their England football shirts for todays’ non-uniform day today to celebrate England’s historic semi-final win on Wednesday.
The Three Lions beat Denmark 2-1, paving the way for their first Euros final in history.
On Thursday, Mr Blore said: “I’ve spoken to a few parents, including parents of players on the team I run and all their kids have come home from school giving the same reason of not upsetting or offending people from other cultures.
“The wider feeling that’s been generated is absolute disgust because, by doing this, it creates division.
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“A lot of parents have said that they are going to let their children wear England themed and England football shirts if they want to. The general consensus being that surely the school wouldn’t send pupils home for not complying to their latest act of poor management.”
However, Brinsworth Academy sent a text at 7.27am this morning to say: “Todays non-uniform day is to raise money for Brinsworth Humanitarian Campaign. Providing students with a voice to support those in the UK and across the world who really need it.
“We are really proud of our diverse community, so lets celebrate that today by wearing things that represent the best of us as individuals.
“Whether that be your favourite trainers, your favourite colours, your England shirt or something that represents you. Let’s celebrate together.
Ridiculous
One resident, Matthew Simpson, told The Eye Of Media.Com : ”it was a ridiculous policy. How can you have a policy that says British children cannot celebrate a major victory in the country. Most children have not lived to see this kind of sporting success, and at the end of the day this is England, and the feelings of its citizens should be given priority when it is not unreasonable to do so.”
There is a growing feeling in the Rothernham that Brinsworth Academy got it badly wrong on this occasion. Some have even said the pupils originally denied the right to wear England shirts are owed an apology.