UK Schools May Ban Palestine Badges for Teachers Amid Rising Antisemitism

Teachers in English schools could be prohibited from wearing pro-Palestine badges and other partisan symbols, according to recommendations from a government-commissioned review into antisemitism. The report, expected to be published imminently, aims to implement radical changes to safeguard Jewish students.

The review author, Sir David Bell, stated that teachers must be perceived as impartial to allow students to "debate topical and difficult issues without feeling that teachers are imposing their own views." The review was initiated in March following an incident where a Jewish Member of Parliament was prevented from visiting pupils in Bristol due to safety concerns, as pro-Palestinian activists had planned protests. The local branch of the National Education Union had publicly stated that its members had raised concerns about the MP's affiliation with the Labour Friends of Israel.

The report is anticipated to present 27 recommendations, including urging schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The government is reportedly prepared to accept all recommendations.

A survey conducted as part of the review found that one in five pupils had witnessed antisemitism, and three in five Jewish pupils had experienced it. However, fewer than half of those who reported such incidents felt they were adequately addressed.

Sir David highlighted his concern over the rise in antisemitism within schools and its underreporting. He emphasized the need to specifically identify antisemitism as a distinct form of hate. "We do need to name antisemitism as a particular kind of prejudice and hate, because I think if you don't name it, you don't actually know what you're tackling or what you're going to be able to do to respond to it," he told Sky News.

Further recommendations from the leaked report include training teachers on the IHRA definition of antisemitism, incorporating antisemitism into schools' online safety and safeguarding policies, and establishing media literacy lessons to combat online antisemitism and conspiracy theories. Holocaust education should also explicitly frame antisemitism as a central theme of the atrocity. The report suggests comprehensive teaching of modern-day Judaism in Religious Education classes, with opportunities for engagement with the Jewish community, such as synagogue visits and marking Holocaust Memorial Day.

Additionally, staff behavior policies should clearly state that antisemitism is unacceptable, with robust reporting and response mechanisms for staff who experience it. Schools will receive strengthened guidance on political impartiality, particularly concerning geopolitical issues, and should assess the appropriateness of political expressions or symbols. A communications campaign in transport hubs near Jewish schools is also recommended to prevent pupils from being targeted.

Ofsted and the Independent Schools Inspectorate are expected to be tasked with holding schools accountable for implementing these anti-antisemitism policies.

Jonathan Frisher, a 17-year-old Jewish student who participated in the review, described how swastikas and Nazi salutes had become normalized at his school, where he experienced significant antisemitic bullying. He recalled being told he belonged in a gas chamber and felt the burden was often placed on him as a young student to explain why such behavior was wrong. Frisher stated his belief that the government and teachers have a crucial role in tackling antisemitism.

The Department for Education has declined to comment on the leaked report.