Students At Birmingham School Call For "Rude" Protests To Stop Disturbing Them
22 May 2019, 16:27
Pupils at a school subject to protests over the teaching of LGBT lessons in Birmingham have penned a letter to campaigners saying "don't disturb us when we are trying to learn".
Police were present at Anderton Park Primary School in Birmingham on Monday after protesters claimed around 600 pupils were withdrawn from lessons.
But the letter written by two pupils of the school reveals their unhappiness at the protests.
Head teacher Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson tweeted the letter written by two students, saying: "Protesters: Please read this plea from two of our children ?at Anderton Park?. Thank you."
The children appear to tell campaigners not to "lie to us" and said they are "unhappy because you are being rude" to members of school staff and students.
Protesters: Please read this plea from two of our children @AndertonPark . Thank you . pic.twitter.com/AYjwSk6Bht
— Sarah HewittClarkson (@MrsSHC) May 22, 2019
On Tuesday, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson said there was no place for lawful or unlawful protests outside primary schools.
The main organiser of the protests has said demonstrations will go ahead this week unless the approach to relationship education is halted for further talks with the school.
Mr Thompson expressed his "increasing concern" over the rhetoric of the demonstrations, and said a number of criminal offences had been committed outside the school since Sunday night.
The force received reports at 9.30pm on Sunday of assault and criminal damage on Dennis Road in Moseley, as well as reports of malicious communications received by the school on Thursday.
It came after counter-demonstrators were reportedly egged, after hanging up signs and placards on the school's gate, some of which read "love is the answer".
The letter tweeted by Ms Hewitt-Clarkson on Wednesday reads: "We are unhappy because you are being rude to all of the students and teachers, especially our headteacher.
"So please don't disturb us when we are trying to learn and don't lie to us. Thank you."
Two teachers from another school had written a letter to Ms Hewitt-Clarkson, expressing their support for her.
The short letter, also tweeted by Ms Hewitt-Clarkson, read: "We are both teachers with 40 plus years in the classroom between us.
"We are appalled by the way you have been treated for simply doing a professional job on equalities."
The city council has also said it is looking into whether it can use a public space protection order to move demonstrations away from the school.
