A UK primary school has closed its doors today after hoards of pro-Palestine protesters turned up at its gates. The protest at Barclay Primary School in London’s Leytonstone area came after an eight-year-old pupil was allegedly sent home for “wearing a Palestinian flag on their uniform”.
In a statement, the school said it had closed to ensure it remained a “safe place” after claiming a number of threats had been made towards staff members.
Some have alleged that the child wearing the flag was bullied, but the school said it had found “no evidence to support any allegations of bullying or misconduct” after an external and internal investigation.
Barclay Primary School’s statement read: “In the light of escalating threats against staff and the school, based on malicious fabrications being broadcast by various media outlets, the Lion Academy Trust will be closing the school from December 20 to all parents and pupils for the Christmas break.
“This decision has been made after careful reflection and because we need the school to be a safe place for the children and staff.”
One woman, who lived close to the school and planned to send her daughter there, Nichi Hodgson, took to Twitter to say there was a “lot of tension” in what she felt was normally a safe area.
She said: “There was a protest yesterday because a child came into school wearing a Palestinian flag on their uniform, and now there’s a big protest this morning from lots of parents and members of the community who feel that was wrong.
“There’s a lot of tension in what is generally a very multicultural neighbourhood and a very safe and calm neighbourhood.
“Throughout the night Palestinian flags were put up on various lampposts including one outside my house.
“It’s very tense here and it’s upsetting to see from a community that is normally so well integrated and content.”
In a letter to parents, the school apologised to parents for any “confusion or upset” saying it was only following Department of Education guidelines.
