Pupils at Oldham school take the knee, to show support against racism.

Pupils at Alexandra Park Junior School have been tackling racism, by taking a knee today, July 14 2021, after being upset about England players receiving online racist abuse. 

Over the past few days, the children have kept up to date with current affairs, especially the football on Sunday.

Teachers say that whilst most were upset at England's loss, they were horrified at the news that Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Sako had been subject to abuse online because of their race.

They were further horrified to hear the news that Marcus Rashford's mural had been vandalised with racist graffiti.

The children wanted to do something to show that the school supported players and were against the online bullying that had been happening.

Sports Leader, Mr Simon Clarke wanted to support the children in doing something to show their support for the England players, while also standing up in the face of racism.

He said: "I know our children are amazing and the events of the past few days has truely shocked them.

"As a community we stand together against the minority of people who would want to spread hate.

"For me, taking the knee with our children shows that our school and our community support and care about people no matter their race.

"Racism has no place in football and hopefully our image will be part of a wider campaign to kick it out!

"The more we spread the message of caring, togetherness and friendship, the more we stamp out hatred.

PSHE Leader  Samantha Nicholson-Hickling said: "I am so proud of our students for recognising the injustice these players face.

"No one deserves to be targetted for the colour of their skin.

"This world, including the football pitch, is no place for hate and with this symbolic act, our children show that they will not stand for behaviour like we have seen in the past few days.

"Racist fans are not the fans our England team want or need. Let's kick it out of football and make it the beautiful game it deserves to be."

The school regularly support anti-racism and anti-hate events throughout the year.

In October, they take part in Show Racism The Red Card and raise money for anti-hate charities.

They also take part in Anti-Hate Week as well as Hate Crime Awareness week.

Mrs Nicholson-Hickling added: "It's our duty as a school to educate our children and I know we've done our jobs right when they come to us and say we need to stand up for this." 

 

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