A council has apologised for any “upset” induced over a letter despatched to folks by a headteacher which implied the Union Flag could possibly be seen as “potentially offensive or sectarian”.
Fiona MacDonald, head of Cross Arthurlie Main Faculty in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, raised considerations following a P7 leavers’ occasion final week which was attended by mother and father and carers.
In her letter, Ms MacDonald stated the usage of a Union Flag that includes employees pictures “caused some upset at the beginning of the evening”.
She added: “As a school we promote inclusion and acceptance, actively working against potentially offensive or sectarian messaging.
“Though we recognise this was not the intent we’re involved that others inside or past the varsity group might take into account that that is one thing we’d encourage.”
The headteacher stated she had spoken to the kids to elucidate “why it wasn’t a good idea” to make use of pictures with out permission.
She additionally defined “the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people” and the way the kids’ actions had been “contrary to the school values of respect and kindness”.
Ms MacDonald then signed off: “I hope this helps everyone understand where mistakes have been made and we can move on enjoying the rest of the end of term celebrations.”
East Renfrewshire Council later apologised and stated it was “not the school’s intention to imply the Union Flag is sectarian”.
The chief of the Scottish Conservatives had earlier referred to as for the native authority to apologise for the “daft letter”.
MSP Russell Findlay stated: “For a school to tell parents that our country’s flag is ‘offensive or sectarian’ is ludicrous and embarrassing.”
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Former occasion chief and colleague Jackson Carlaw, MSP for Eastwood, additionally voiced his anger on the letter.
Posting on X, he stated: “Let me be clear – to equate the Union Flag with sectarianism is totally unacceptable and deeply offensive to people both locally and across Scotland.”
Demanding an apology, he added: “Our national flag is not up for debate – it is a symbol of our tradition, unity as a nation and hope for so many.”
In a press release, East Renfrewshire Council stated: “It was not the school’s intention to imply the Union flag is sectarian and both the headteacher and the council apologises for any offence and upset that has been caused to pupils, parents and carers and the wider community.
“All instructional institutions in East Renfrewshire must be areas which might be centered on studying, unity, and pleasure in a various British society.
“We expect our schools to foster an ethos of respect for diverse perspectives and national identity.”
