School Cancelling MP Visit Not Antisemitic, Independent Inquiry Finds
An independent inquiry has determined that a secondary school criticised for cancelling a visit from a Jewish MP was not antisemitic.
The Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) postponed a scheduled visit from Damien Egan to the Bristol Brunel Academy in September due to planned protests by pro-Palestine activists. The CLF denied reports suggesting the cancellation was related to concerns about the MP's membership in the Labour Friends of Israel parliamentary group.
A review commissioned by the CLF concluded there is "no evidence of antisemitism" within either the school or the federation.
However, the report recommended that the CLF consider additional training on antisemitism and explore ways to repair its relationship with Egan.
At the time, Bristol Brunel Academy stated the visit was postponed because of student safeguarding concerns linked to the demonstration planned for the same day.
Damien Egan, MP for Bristol North East, had previously visited four other schools within the trust.
The decision to postpone the visit drew criticism from the education secretary and the prime minister, who described the move as "very serious, very concerning."
Following the cancellation, the Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign described the outcome as a "victory for parents, teachers and the community."
Ofsted conducted an inspection of the school in January in response to the cancelled visit and found no evidence supporting concerns of bias at the school.
The visit was eventually rescheduled and took place in February.
National Review
Retired headteacher Dame Joan McVittie conducted the review and concluded that the decision to postpone Mr Egan's visit was made solely to protect students, staff, and the MP amid uncertainty surrounding the planned protest.
Dame Joan said: "The evidence I have gathered leads me to conclude that the decision to postpone was based not on the MP's religious beliefs or links to Israel but on a desire to protect him from potential abuse and harm as a consequence of this."
The inquiry provided several recommendations regarding future political visits to schools within the CLF and nationwide. These include fostering closer collaboration between schools, police, local authorities, and the Department for Education (DfE) when making decisions about sensitive visits.
It also suggested that the DfE offer improved guidance and security measures for schools planning such visits.
A Department for Education spokesperson stated:
"We welcome Dame Joan McVittie's thorough and robust investigation, and while no signs of antisemitic culture were found at this school or trust, the wider picture demands urgent action.
Since 7 October 2023, antisemitic incidents in educational settings have more than doubled. It's a national disgrace, and we will not look away from it.
That is why we have commissioned an independent national review to strengthen how schools and colleges prevent, identify and respond to antisemitism and all forms of hate."
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