Education Secretary Lucy Powell has said "change will come" on antisemitism in schools and colleges in England as she accepted all of the recommendations in Sir David Bell's review. Speaking to MPs on Wednesday, she said tackling antisemitism is a "generational challenge" and that all children and teachers should be able to go to school or college "free from fear".
Government accepts review recommendations
The Government has accepted all 27 recommendations in Sir David's review, which includes calls to strengthen political impartiality guidance for teachers. However, the report did not recommend a ban on teachers and pupils wearing political symbols or flags, such as pro-Palestine badges, in schools and colleges.
Sir David said he decided against recommending an outright ban because he believed it was "unworkable" and "untested legally". He told the Press Association it was "entirely reasonable" for individual schools and colleges to use existing mechanisms, such as codes of conduct, to set out what should be worn.
Findings on antisemitic incidents
The Government-commissioned review found that three in five Jewish pupils said they had experienced or witnessed antisemitism. Around half of respondents who witnessed or experienced antisemitism said that incidents were not reported.
Ms Powell said the "seminal" review had exposed the "shocking scale" of the issue in British society. She vowed to write to schools and colleges to call on them to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Measures and reactions
The Government will take forward measures including dedicated antisemitism training and resources for teachers and improved reporting of antisemitic incidents. Ms Powell also promised to strengthen safeguarding guidance to make clear that antisemitism is "a distinct risk" requiring a distinct safeguarding response.
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott argued the review's recommendations on education unions were "not strong enough". Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said recommending the IHRA definition "risks tightening the chilling grip already stifling classroom discussion of the Gaza genocide" and that the report "will not tackle antisemitism".
Karen Newman, vice-president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the evidence gathered by Sir David Bell "is sobering" and makes clear the need for a determined and consistent approach. Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said clear guidance and support for teachers are "essential and welcome".
