Another Midlands school has ‘punished’ pupils for wearing Union Jacks on ‘culture day’
Parents were outraged when dozens of children were placed in isolation at Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy in Oldbury, West Midlands, after draping the flags over their shoulders according to reports.
Pupils were reportedly asked to wear outfits to reflect their heritage, prompting several of them to proudly wear colors of the Union Jack.
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However, the same pupils were made to “feel like wearing something British was dirty” after being sent to isolation room.
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The Daily Star reported: About 30 pupils faced disciplinary action, with one parent, Leanne Wherle, 39, who runs Tivi-Ale microbar in Tividale, expressing her anger over the situation. Her daughter Isobelle, 15, was one of those isolated for wearing a flag over her shoulder and was subsequently given a five-day suspension for questioning the decision.
The school had invited students to dress in attire representing their heritage, leading to a variety of cultural displays. Leanne told The Sun: “Lots wore their flags over their shoulders, and others opted to wear them around their waists as skirts.”
“Isobelle was put into an isolation room almost immediately, as were about 30 other kids.” She noted that children wearing flags from other countries, like Jamaica and Spain, didn’t face any issues.
Leanne accused the school of making students feel ashamed for showing British pride. “When she asked the head why, all he could say was, ‘Because it’s not allowed’,” Leanne recounted to the publication.
She highlighted that this was her daughter’s first trouble with the school. In a separate incident, Jenny Priest, 38, alleged that her 13 year old daughter Scarlett was put in isolation for sporting a white T-shirt emblazoned with a Union Jack.
She added: “Isobelle stuck up for my daughter and she got into trouble for that.”
The school, however, maintained that while students could wear Union Jacks, bringing physical flags into the institution was prohibited.
Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy clarified their stance, stating: “As part of our recent Culture Day, students were invited to wear a wide range of outfits and traditional clothing that reflected their heritage and cultural backgrounds – including those which represent British culture such as the Union Jack.”
They further explained: “On non-uniform days, we have clear and consistent guidelines in place that apply to all students, although no student was suspended due to their choice of outfit on the day.”
The school emphasised: “These help us maintain a positive and focused learning environment, while still allowing students to enjoy and celebrate special occasions.”
This marks the second dispute involving the Union Jack at English schools this month.
The controversy follows an incident where ‘star pupil’ Courtney Wright, 12, found herself in isolation after wearing a Union Flag dress for her school’s culture day.
Courtney donned a Spice Girls-inspired ensemble and prepared a presentation on history and traditions for the event held at Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire, on Friday, July 11.
