Funmilola Stewart, a diversity and inclusion specialist advising Labour on education, has sparked controversy by suggesting that inadequate anti-racism education in schools played a role in fueling recent riots. Stewart, one of 12 advisers appointed by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson for a curriculum review, expressed her views on social media platform X in August 2023.
Stewart, formerly a history teacher and currently leading anti-racism and equality initiatives at Dixons Academies Trust, argued that the unrest stemmed from a "broken education system" that deemed anti-racist education inappropriate. She emphasized the need to question prejudice rather than criticizing efforts to address racial issues.
"It comes from a broken education system which fails to protect racially minoritised staff and students whilst simultaneously deeming anti-racist education inappropriate."
This statement has drawn criticism from some quarters. Dr Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, director of Don't Divide Us, expressed concern about the potential politicization of schools. She argued that the curriculum review should focus on providing students with access to the best formal knowledge rather than using schools as a substitute for political discourse.
Stewart's views on education extend beyond the recent controversy. In October 2020, she advocated for including black historical figures in Tudor-era education and teaching about African kingdoms. This aligns with efforts to broaden historical perspectives in schools, recognizing that the first recorded African in England arrived in 1570 during Elizabeth I's reign.
Labour's curriculum review aims to create a "rich, broad, inclusive, and innovative" curriculum. The review panel, chaired by Prof Becky Francis, includes representatives from primary, secondary, and post-16 education sectors. Francis, who previously criticized Tony Blair's government for its "obsession with academic achievement" in a 2006 book, expressed enthusiasm about working with the diverse group of experts.
The debate surrounding anti-racist education reflects broader discussions about the role of schools in addressing social issues. It's worth noting that the concept of anti-racist education emerged in the 1980s and has gained significant traction in the 21st century. This coincides with increased awareness of diversity and inclusion in various sectors, including education.
As the curriculum review progresses, it will likely continue to generate discussion about the balance between traditional academic subjects and more contemporary social issues. The outcome of this review could have significant implications for the future of education in the UK, potentially influencing how schools approach topics such as history, social studies, and citizenship education.