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Multiple Birmingham schools refuse to teach LGBT and diversity lessons after parents protest

<em>More schools in Birmingham have stopped LGBT lessons after complaints from parents (Wikipedia)</em>
More schools in Birmingham have stopped LGBT lessons after complaints from parents (Wikipedia)

Another four schools in Birmingham have reportedly halted lessons on diversity and LGBT issues following complaints by parents.

In a letter quoted by the BBC, Leigh Trust said it was suspending the No Outsiders project, which teaches tolerance of diverse groups, including those of different races, genders and sexual orientation, until an agreement with parents had been reached.

It follows the move by Parkfield Community School in Birmingham to halt the lessons earlier this month following protests by parents.

<em>The Leigh Trust told parents it was suspending the No Outsiders project (Leigh Trust)</em>
The Leigh Trust told parents it was suspending the No Outsiders project (Leigh Trust)

The No Outsiders programme, which teaches about the Equality Act, was authored by the primary school’s assistant headteacher, Andrew Moffat.

Pupils are taught about the positive values of diversity, tolerance and acceptance, in a broad curriculum encompassing LGBT rights, same-sex relationships, gender identity, race, religion and colour.

Ofsted inspectors have concluded the lessons are “age-appropriate”.

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However, Leigh Trust said it was stopping the programme at Leigh Primary School, Alston Primary School, Marlborough Junior and Infants School and Wyndcliff Primary School until after Ramadan in May, according to the BBC.

Charity Humanists UK said the move to stop teaching LGBT classes after protests from parents who believe it is against their religious beliefs was “very alarming”.

Director of public affairs and policy Richy Thompson said: “Schools have an important role to educate students about all types of relationships and that includes teaching respect and tolerance for LGBT people.

<em>The programme is being stopped at Alston Primary School (pictured), as well as Leigh Primary School, Marlborough Junior and Infants School and Wyndcliff Primary School (Google)</em>
The programme is being stopped at Alston Primary School (pictured), as well as Leigh Primary School, Marlborough Junior and Infants School and Wyndcliff Primary School (Google)

“They also have a duty to protect the wellbeing of all of their students including LGBT students who are at higher risk of bullying without such education.

“We urge the Department for Education to take a strong stand and support these schools in reinstating LGBT lessons back into the classrooms.”

Campaign group the Accord Coalition for Inclusive Education have also criticised the decision.

Chair, Reverend Stephen Terry, said: “This latest news is extremely worrying.

<em>The decision follows the move by Parkfield Community School to halt the lessons earlier this month (PA)</em>
The decision follows the move by Parkfield Community School to halt the lessons earlier this month (PA)

“Parents are entitled to their views on sexuality and morality, and to set these beliefs before their children.

“A school’s task is to set out different views and approaches in society, with an overall duty to tackle prejudice and foster good relations between people of different characteristics.

“Teachers should be actively supported in this regard, not undermined.”

Leigh Trust told Yahoo News that they were “pausing” the lessons so they could discuss them with parents.

A spokesperson said: “We are proud to be an open and inclusive group of schools which embraces equality and diversity that have always been reflected in our core vision, values and ethos. Over the last few years, we have used the programme to support this.

“However, our Trust also values positive parental engagement and is keen to listen to their views. We have therefore decided to pause the programme so that we can have open discussions with the parents of all children in our schools, to ensure that we find a productive way forward for continuing to deliver equality and diversity. We look forward to these discussions.”