No Outsiders and in particular the teaching of LGBT issues must continue, if we want to protect the values that are enshrined in British law, says Colin Diamond
Word spread quickly on social media last week that Parkfield Community School in Birmingham had suspended the teaching of No Outsiders lessons “until a resolution has been reached”. Now we learn that a further four schools in the neighbouring Leigh Academy Trust have also withdrawn from teaching the programme. And pressure has mounted elsewhere, with parents being asked to sign petitions demanding the same action in other schools.
The Parkfield news was greeted with both triumph and despair. Local voices lobbying for the removal of No Outsiders and its author, assistant head Andy Moffat, sensed victory and called off the protests. The wider schools community deplored the decision and saw it as capitulating to homophobic pressure.
.... We must be resolute and hold to the values of the Equalities Act and the Birmingham Curriculum Statement. Local dialogue is essential – but there are red lines here. No Outsiders and in particular the teaching of LGBT issues must continue. If it does not, I guarantee that the next targets will be music, drama, liberal humanities and girls’ participation in sports. No Outsiders is taking off in schools across the UK: it needs to continue to thrive in the community where it is most needed. [Schools Week] Read more
