Jane Bolam

Lead practitioner for Literacy, History teacher, book lover.Socialist feminist. She/her

[Daniel Kebede @DanielKebedeNEU]

NEU statement on the violent, racist and Islamophobic disorder seen across England and Northern Ireland

NEU expresses its sincerest condolences to the families and school communities of Southport who, at this time, are grieving the devastating loss of three young girls: Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

The exploitation by far-right groups of the violent, heartbreaking attack on children is truly shameful.

Our communities have come under attack through deplorable acts of racist and Islamophobic violence, in which we have seen attacks on homes, mosques, Muslim-owned businesses, and arson attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers.

There are many children who are going to bed at night worried and frightened by events taking place in their communities - we cannot stand by and allow this to happen.

Our members, who believe in the power of education, will take the lead in challenging racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism and in challenging harmful prejudices and stereotyping about migrant families.

We value the many positive aspects that migration and immigrants bring to our Union, our movement and our country as well as the benefits for all of us in living in a society that is welcoming and inclusive.

We recognise that many years of irresponsible rhetoric by politicians and in sections of the British media have created a climate that threatens the social cohesion of this country and our progress towards a more equal society.

This violence must provide a watershed moment for change.

Divisive, hateful language and negative, racist stereotypes have a real and immediate impact on classrooms and on the wellbeing of students and educators. This threatens the possibility of progress toward greater race equality in education, employment or wider
society. The current curriculum review must respond to these urgent social issues and investigate how to build an anti-racist curriculum that boosts engagement, self-esteem and a sense of belonging for every child.

The trade union movement has a strong and vibrant history of opposing racism and fascism. The National Education Union stands in the tradition of our member Blair Peach. We will support rallies, protests and initiatives called by Stand Up To Racism as a non-violent counter to the hatred manifesting on our streets.

We encourage our members to extend practical support and solidarity to those who are facing racist attacks.

We urge all districts and branches to contact local mosques, refugee centres and solidarity groups to offer the union's solidarity and support.

Our children have the right to grow up without fear. We must stand together across our movement and our communities to stand up for human rights, social justice and using education to counter racism.

[Jane Bolam @jane_bolam]

@pollysmythe @DanielKebedeNEU What is the NEU saying nationally ?

[The BAMEed Network @BAMEedNetwork]

We are working on resources for schools to use to address the current situation. Please RT and share.

@AllanaG13 @DominiChoudhury @nuttylil @LO_EduforAll @TeachLeadAAli @VascoAdam @frankietweetart

[Zarah Sultana MP @zarahsultana]

Politicians and journalists to use “Islamophobia” and “racism” challenge 🧐

[HOPE not hate @hopenothate]

Request for help. If you have any pictures or video of this weeks far right riots, or you have concrete details of anyone you know was involved please email us at [email protected]

[Apsana Begum MP @ApsanaBegumMP]

Parliament must be recalled now.

[Paul Mason @paulmasonnews]

Fascists set fire to Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers: to repeat - the public order tactics taught by the Met at Gravesend do not work when the rioters' aim is to kill people of colour. Dispersal + facial recognition does not protect life and limb or public order. Rethink fast.

[Rob Ferguson @Rob_Ferguson90]

@mendcommunity Forget the government. They will do nothing. We need mass numbers on the streets on our side. That has always been the only way to stop the fascists rise. Call out for every counter demo. Hull was bad but we beat them down in many places. But a lot more to do

[Sunderland AFC @SunderlandAFC]

Tonight’s shameful scenes do not represent our culture, our history, or our people. Our great city is built on togetherness and acceptance, and Sunderland will forever be for all. We are stronger as one community. Now. Then. Always. ❤️🤍

[Larry the Cat @Number10cat]

This woman faced down the rioters in Southport last night with a clear message: their racism wasn't welcome. Let her bravery be what is remembered, rather than the shameful scenes of fools embarrassing themselves.

[Jane Bolam @jane_bolam]

@richkbristol Wow. Enjoy the time together x

[Víctor Arrogante ✊🌹🔻 @caval100]

Sorpresa en Francia: victoria de la izquierda y Marine Le Pen, tercera via @El_Plural https://t.co/4kYBM3zqj7

[Jane Bolam @jane_bolam]

@Finn_Mackay Snap. It’s causing a bit of family tension!!

[Jane Bolam @jane_bolam]

@FunkyPedagogy @beechcliffe @AcademyCAT1 Thanks. We use Prisoners of Geography for similar reasons Any suggestions from anyone on engaging STEM books for KS3 welcome. Good with history and Geography but want some wider coverage

[Jane Bolam @jane_bolam]

@FunkyPedagogy @beechcliffe @AcademyCAT1 Hi. This is lovely. Also quite a crossover with ours! Wondering about your non fiction as I’m trying to improve ours … what year group are you using the STEM and music books with ?

[Jane Bolam @jane_bolam]

@rogerg44 https://t.co/k4B4WFuHCt

[Jane Bolam @jane_bolam]

@GeorgeThePoet. Here’s our anti racist history book https://t.co/k4B4WFuHCt

[Liverpool Your Party @LPOOLYOURPARTY]

The shooting of students at Kent State University in 1970 only fuelled the protests against the Vietnam War.

The attempted repression of the current protests will rally people to the Palestinian cause.