Entirely wrong message says teaching union on Council's decision to withdraw support for anti-racism charity
“At a time when racist incidents, hate crime and divisive rhetoric continue to present challenges in our society, reducing support for anti-racism education is the wrong decision”
The National Education Union (NEU) Northern Region has strongly condemned Reform led Sunderland City Council's decision to withdraw funding and support for Show Racism the Red Card.
The country’s biggest teaching union labelled the decision as “deeply disappointing” and “sending entirely the wrong message at a time when schools, communities and public bodies should be strengthening their commitment to equality, inclusion and anti-racist education”.
The leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Chris Eynon, confirmed the decision during a Council meeting when he was asked by former Labour councillor Kelly Chequer whether the council would be supporting Show Racism the Red Card’s Wear Red Day on Friday, October 16, by lighting Sunderland’s landmarks red.
Cllr Eynon said the council would not be “linking up” with Show Racism the Red Card, including any financial support previous councils had provided for the charity’s education programme in city schools, due to what he cited as political bias against Reform by its CEO Ged Grebby and accusations the charity has political motives.
Beth Farhat, NEU Northern Regional Secretary, said: “We are extremely disappointed by Sunderland Council's decision to withdraw funding from Show Racism the Red Card. This organisation has an outstanding track record of educating young people, challenging racism and promoting community cohesion.
“At a time when racist incidents, hate crime and divisive rhetoric continue to present challenges in our society, reducing support for anti-racism education is the wrong decision.
“Show Racism the Red Card was founded here in the North East and has become one of the region's most successful educational charities. Its work changes lives, challenges prejudice and helps create safer, more inclusive communities for everyone.
“The NEU remains fully committed to anti-racist education and will continue to stand alongside Show Racism the Red Card, schools, educators and communities in promoting equality and tackling racism wherever it occurs."
The NEU Northern Region also said it will continue to encourage schools and teachers across the North East to participate in Wear Red Day and to “show their solidarity with those challenging racism and discrimination”.
The decision has been slammed by former SAFC skipper and Black Cats legend Gary Bennett who has, with the support of the charity, spent the last 30 years working to eradicate racism from both football and society, including education programmes in schools.
Sunderland MP and Labour Party chair, Bridget Phillipson has urged people to sign her petition to “tell Reform UK to Show Racism the red Card”.
The Reform led council said the decision should “not be interpreted as the Council stepping back from its opposition to racism or discrimination”