Ed Balls has asked Maurice Smith, the former chief inspector of schools, to review provisions designed to prevent racism in schools.
Mr Smith’s report will examine existing safeguards and, controversially, consider whether association with organisations that promote racism should be grounds for barring someone from teaching. Teacher’s union NASUWT backed the commitment “to keep racism and BNP activity out of schools”. Whilst many people will support a zero tolerance approach to racism, is there not a risk of promoting sympathy for BNP members?
It will be interesting to see whether the report’s recommendations are radical enough to suggest an automatic bar.
Posted by Mark Blois
0115 976 6087
mblois@brownejacobson.com
I hope that people will take the time to read the whole report. It can be found at:- http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/mauricesmithreview/index.shtml
The conclusion that a ban would not be a proportionate response is surely right. Freedom of association is important and is guaranteed by the ECHR. Only if it is necessary and proportionate would it be acceptable to interfere with that right. There was no pressing social need for a ban on the evidence.