PARENTS say they are “disgusted” after children who wore wellies to school to support protesting farmers were punished for breaching uniform rules.
As thousands of farmers descended on London to protest planned changes to inheritance tax, some young people left at home decided to wear wellies to school as a show of support.
These included several pupils at Huish Episcopi Academy, near Langport, which is run by United Learning.
Parents claim their children were sent to isolation for wearing the wellies, with the school saying four youngsters turned up in Wellington boots, despite a letter being sent to parents warning them against the move.
An email sent by the school to parents concerned, and seen by your Leveller, informs them the pupils would be “asked to change into appropriate school footwear upon arrival at the academy” and that “normal school policy remains in place”.
However, at least one parent responded, saying they understood it would be “against uniform policy”, but that they “encourage the children to fight for their future and hope that in this instance you could show your support and demonstrate to the community how important the future of farming is to everyone”.
Now, following the protest and punishment, in a letter to headteacher Katie Boyes, one parent has voiced their frustration at the incident.
We have not identified the parent or young person involved, pending further permission.
“My son wore the wellies as a way of raising awareness about the critical issue facing British farmers and which will directly impact (child) in the near future,” they said.
“He intended to highlight the importance of protecting local farming, particularly in light of challenges that could force farmers to sell up, which could severely impact the future of British food production.
“I fully support my son’s decision to wear wellies in a non-disruptive manner to raise awareness of this issue, and I believe it was an expression of his concern for the wellbeing of British agriculture, rather than a political statement.
“His actions were peaceful and did not disrupt the school environment in any way.
“It seems teachers can strike for political reasons and kids’ education suffers because of it.
“They were simply wearing wellies.
“We decided that during his mocks it was inappropriate to miss school and head to London as he would have liked, and that a mature simple gesture would make him feel like he had made his point and been heard in a different way.”
They said they failed to see how “this form of awareness-raising could be grounds for isolation”.
“I feel that this response is disproportionate, especially given that there was no disruption to his learning or the school community,” the parent added.
“In fact, putting him in isolation is the only thing that hinders his learning.”
They said other schools allowed pupils to show their support for the demonstration, and suggested it could have been used as a way of opening discussions on the issue.
“In a community deeply connected with agriculture this would have opened up a channel to discuss the issues, nurture civic awareness and support those who feed us,” the parent added.
“It’s hard to believe that uniform policy should overshadow such an important topic and that the removing them from class for trying to educate others can ever be helpful.
“I strongly believe that action is wholly inappropriate, discriminative and short-sighted.
“The response from the general public about this has been overwhelming and I encourage you to put this right.
“I and many others are disgusted and simply cannot believe this has happened at all.”
The parent demanded an apology to the students involved and said they were set to submit a formal complaint.
However, the school defended the move, saying young people intending to protest had been asked not to.
A United Learning spokesperson said: “As I am sure you will understand, it is important that schools remain politically impartial and do not get involved in any issues which are politically sensitive.
“Four students turned up to school yesterday wearing Wellington boots in support of the NFU protest.
“These students had been warned in writing in advance of yesterday, that turning up in Wellington boots was in breach of the school’s uniform policy and would be treated accordingly.
“The school is a keen supporter of the farming community in the area but it would not be appropriate for it to set a precedent by allowing some students to show solidarity with a cause they support in this way.”
Beyond belief-I thought peaceful protest was allowed in this country..School, hang your combined heads in shame.