A reader has sent me this impression of ‘multiculturalism’ in the British classroom:
‘As a Christian primary school teacher, I believe the moral values, religious beliefs and ethical codes (or lack thereof) are the foundation of society, our dialogue and interactions with people of various faiths. Many Brits are unsure of their own beliefs (due to watered-down Christianity which lacks any vitality or relevance) and definitely ignorant of the beliefs and religious teachings of the main faiths represented in Britain (Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism). Hence the confusion, as you mentioned, over the term 'jihad' and cultish Muslim doctrine.
’I believe that this 'moral inversion' starts in schools. A lot has been said of the responsibility of mosques and Muslim Society leaders, but the schools these children attend play a large part in their 'moral upbringing' albeit passively. The majority of Muslim children attend state schools, Catholic and Church of England Primary Schools. Twelve years ago when I was at C of E Sixth Form, I remember the religious tension and the political correctness creeping in.
‘On many occasions I have attended conferences with other colleagues in education from the north of England. According to my colleagues in these multicultural areas, their schools consist of at least 75%-100% Muslim children. White British children are in the minority and often feel intimidated. The daily grief their staff endure is unbelievable.
‘White, British female teachers are often insulted by their own pupils, suffer sexual harassment from young Muslim males and are intimidated by Muslim fathers (in their own classrooms) who have no respect for women. Parents aggressively handle their own children, undermining school codes and ethos in front of the children. One colleague said she was told by a father, if his daughter did not achieve academically, she (the teacher) should tell her that she is stupid, lazy and useless and let him know so that she can be beaten at home! This is a regular occurrence in schools - especially C of E schools, and teachers have their hands tied as opposition would be branded as religious hatred and racism.
‘Heads and governors are frightened to step a foot wrong in their own schools, lest they offend the community by upholding Christian values and denying the right for Muslim children to pray during the day. There is so much fear that paralyses and I believe actually prevents clear religious dialogue because Christianity is seen as inferior and submissive to the wishes of Islam. When you think that thousands of these Muslim children also attend Koran school (sometimes everyday) you can see they way they are indoctrinated by Muslim logic from the very start.
‘I work in a predominantly white school. I am the only ethnic minority teacher on staff, and there are only a handful of children from ethnic minority groups. Even in this predominantly Christian school, there is fear of being associated with Islamophobia and racism. Many people are afraid to talk about religion these days. Religious discussions as seen as taboo, as they may cause offence.
‘We actually held a themed 'Multicultural Week' this year and the person who co-ordinated it decided not to cover any RE during the week as it could upset some people. So we looked at the nations of China, India, Pakistan without even a mention of their religious beliefs and festivals! As our area is not very multicultural at all, there weren't even any minority groups who could visit and share their culture. Needless to say, the children were left with a very narrow and unrealistic view of the places and the cultures they were studying.
’I know that this is only a brief mention or a snapshot, but when I think of all the multicultural schools across Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester and London, there must be thousands of children (British Christians and British Muslims) who are seeing Christianity undermined while Islam forces its way in. These children, shaped by our example and actions now, will be Britain tomorrow.’
