Flying the Flag for Diversity

Depending on where you turn to consume your regular diet of education news, you may have seen very different angles on the Department for Education’s recent guidance about political impartiality in schools. Although it very explicitly does not introduce any new statutory requirements, and indeed it stresses that “pupils’ engagement and interest in political issues should be encouraged”, that hasn’t stopped it being described as “a war on ‘woke’ teachers” and indeed nor has it prevented comparisons with the notorious Section 28, which prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” in schools between 1988 and 2003. In truth, this guidance is utterly different from section 28 in virtually every way, but it is easy to see why people might be alarmed. If they – like me – can say that Section 28 had a serious and detrimental effect on their wellbeing, being on high alert is hardly a surprise – especially when a law banning the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity is making its way through a state legislature in Florida.

At Alleyn’s, we pride ourselves on the extent to which our students and staff celebrate diversity and are not afraid to talk about difficult topics. Our community is a respectful and tolerant one which seeks to educate itself through reasoned, open discussion and by listening to the stories of individuals. Presenting a balanced range of political views is second nature amongst the thoughtful and considerate people who surround us, and we understand that embracing diversity is not a question of ‘being woke’ but is instead a question of respecting individuals and ensuring that everybody is welcomed and cared for. In that vein, throughout February our students have been reflecting on LGBTQ+ history. In their words: “… it allows for us to reflect on the impact that past legislation and social ideas have had, not only on the queer community but on queer kids today, and the continued impact that these will have going into the future”. They added that it helps us “consider the progress left to be made” and that “it is important to celebrate those who gave us pride, and who through their struggles, created a more accepting world for us to be celebrated.”

It’s a great delight, therefore, that our students are so involved in steering our journey to celebrate diversity. One example of this is our Diversity and Equality Logo: this student-designed symbol of our commitment to diversity was recently made into signs to adorn our main building – a physical statement to all visitors that Alleyn’s is a place where everybody should feel included. And to reinforce our commitment to that, we’ve also had it made into a flag which will fly proudly from the flagpole above the main entrance.

Alleyn’s is – and will always be – a place where our pupils will feel a sense of belonging. We will continue to teach them how to express themselves articulately – just as they will continue to teach us about all of the ways in which today’s young people are celebrating their own individuality.

By Aidan Sproat-Clements. Assistant Head, Director of Studies