Pupils told to remove ‘racist’ England flags as school clamps down on World Cup

Pupils told to remove ‘racist’ England flags as school clamps down on World Cup

Pupils at a Kent secondary school have been ordered to remove small painted England flags from their arms after staff deemed the gesture "racist". Several pupils at Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs, east Kent, were told to wash off the flags or face isolation as punishment. The pupils had been following England's progress in the World Cup. After the team's win over Mexico last week, a number of pupils arrived at school with small flags painted on their arms in support. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say It is understood the staff did not like the patriotic display on the students. One source said: “A number of boys mainly from Year 10 were told if they didn’t scrub off the flags they would get detention or isolation.” The school's response has caused anger among parents. Several branded the move a case of double standards, pointing out that England flags were on display in the school canteen at the same time. One parent said: “My child and all his friends were made to wash off an England flag that they painted on their arm for being racist today, during their last sports day at secondary school. “They were bullied by the teachers to wash off immediately as they were being called a racist, otherwise isolation would be issued. “All in the spirit of celebrating the World Cup.” The row raises questions over how the school's actions square with its own stated commitments to "British values". LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Council staff branded 'absolutely shameful' after cutting down England flag from resident's balcony Council urges drivers to report other motorists amid fears criminals exploit 'stash cars' 'Absolutely ludicrous!' Council staff caught cutting down England flag ahead of World Cup semi-final Charles Dickens School belongs to the Barton Court Academy Trust (BCAT). The trust published a “British Values Statement” setting out how it promotes what the Department for Education calls the “fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law, indivi