NASUWT – The Teachers' Union has today written
to Secretary of State for Education to ask that the
Department for Education provides guidance for schools on dealing
with antisemitism and all forms of racism.
In a survey of Jewish teachers conducted by NASUWT, 90% of the
respondents said their employers need more training on
recognising and challenging antisemitism.
The survey also found that:
- 51% of Jewish teachers have
experienced antisemitism in the workplace in the past year (78%
of those teachers experienced abuse personally, 37% witnessed it
happening to someone else, and 38% were told about it happening
by someone else)
- 44% have seen swastika graffiti at
their schools, and 39% have witnessed or been subject to
Nazi-related comments
- 56% report that the antisemitism
includes antisemitic “jokes and banter,” and 47% report insults
and taunts
- 52% of respondents felt that when
they reported issues, appropriate action was not taken to deal
with the problem
- 79% of respondents working in
non-faith schools had experienced antisemitism, compared to 29%
of respondents working in faith schools.
Matt Wrack, Acting General Secretary of NASUWT – The
Teachers' Union, said:
“NASUWT stands firmly with any teacher suffering discrimination
due to their religion or ethnicity. Schools and colleges have a
legal responsibility to safeguard teachers and pupils from all
forms of abuse. They urgently require more support from
government in this complex area.
“Our members tell us that misinformation on social media,
including dangerous rhetoric from far-right movements and
stereotyping of Jewish people, is fuelling a rise in antisemitic
and racist abuse in schools. Some teachers are fearful of even
disclosing their religion at work. This cannot be allowed to
continue.
“A third of respondents to our survey did not feel they could
report antisemitism to their employers, and for those that did,
more than half said appropriate action was not taken. It is clear
that schools need swift, strong support in tackling antisemitism
so that Jewish teachers and pupils can feel safe.
“Antisemitism does not happen in isolation. We know that many
forms of racist abuse are occurring in education settings and
will be looking at this closely. We are asking to meet with us to
galvanise action on these unacceptable trends. If we are going to
stamp out discrimination in all its insidious forms, we need
visible leadership from the government.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
NASUWT's statement on antisemitism, including our adopted
definition of antisemitism, is available here.
NASUWT surveyed 138 Jewish members in May 2024.
A selection of anecdotal comments gathered from Jewish teachers
during the survey:
“Staff and students find it difficult to manage debates and
discussions about the topic, so with avoid the topic
altogether.”
“I think the problem goes far beyond anything the schools on
their own can realistically do much about.”
“If schools are tackling the Israel/Palestine, an expert
needs to do this and staff need training on the history of Israel
as it is a very emotive topic with opposing narratives. It should
be based on fact only.”
“On multiple occasions, students have shouted ‘Free
Palestine' at me. On one occasion, someone shouted ‘F**k the
Jews,' outside a meeting of Jewish students.”
“Claims of, ‘It's not racist to say Jews are rich - it's just
a fact.'”
“Staff have thought I am from Israel and wondered how I have
a British passport.”
