In the light of controversial new legislation brought into force, we are attaching the union's guidelines on this matter which clearly
explain what can and cannot be required of teachers.
It is important for schools having to implement PREVENT that we are
clear about the distinction between a safeguarding concern for individuals who
might be at risk, or might take actions that put others at risk; and a
carelessly loose definition of “radicalisation” or “extremism” that could blur
the distinction between those contemplating going to join ISIS or planting
bombs at home with those who might be critical of British foreign policy in the
Middle East, or might wish to challenge aspects of contemporary British life on
the level of ideas. Unless teachers are very clear that schools are safe places
for views to be expressed and challenged freely, this has the danger of closing
down discussion about crucial world events and social values, or restricting
them to a such a deadened official discourse that it will not create the
resilience our students will need to challenge simplistic narratives: wherever
they come from.
The second danger is that Muslim students and their parents feel under
surveillance and suspicion as well as on the receiving end of Islamophobia
bullying in the playground or on the streets. Part of our job as
teachers is to do our best to make sure that our Muslim students and their
families feel as safe and at home as everyone else.
Prevent Duty and its implications for Staff
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