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Government tells schools in England not to use anti-capitalist material in teaching

AFP via Getty Images
AFP via Getty Images

The government has ordered schools in England not to use resources from organisations that "take extreme political stances", including those which which have expressed a desire to end capitalism.

The Department for Education (DfE) issued guidance on Thursday for schools to set the relationship, sex and health curriculum.

The DfE categorised anti-capitalism as an “extreme political stance", equating it with opposition to freedom of speech, anti-semitism and endorsement of illegal activity.

But former shadow chancellor John McDonnell told the Guardian that the measures effectively outlawed reference in schools to key events in British history.

John McDonnell has criticised the new guidance (PA)
John McDonnell has criticised the new guidance (PA)

It comes as part of lengthy guidelines for implementing the statutory curriculum.

The guidance said: “Schools should not under any circumstances use resources produced by organisations that take extreme political stances on matters.

"This is the case even if the material itself is not extreme, as the use of it could imply endorsement or support of the organisation.”

It listed examples of “extreme political stances” as “a publicly stated desire to abolish or overthrow democracy, capitalism, or to end free and fair elections”.

Mr McDonnel has criticised the move (PA)
Mr McDonnel has criticised the move (PA)

It also included opposition to freedom of speech; the use of racist, including anti-semitic, language; the endorsement of illegal activity; and a failure to condemn illegal activities done in support of their cause.

Mr McDonnell said it symbolised growing “authoritarianism” within the governing Conservative party.

“On this basis it will be illegal to refer to large tracts of British history and politics including the history of British socialism, the Labour Party and trade unionism, all of which have at different times advocated the abolition of capitalism," Mr McDonnell said.

“This is another step in the culture war and this drift towards extreme Conservative authoritarianism is gaining pace and should worry anyone who believes that democracy requires freedom of speech and an educated populace.”

Minister for school standards Nick Gibb said: “Our new relationships, sex and health education (RHSE) guidance and training resources equip all schools to provide comprehensive teaching in these areas in an age-appropriate way.

“These materials should give schools the confidence to construct a curriculum that reflects diversity of views and backgrounds, whilst fostering all pupils’ respect for others, understanding of healthy relationships, and ability to look after their own wellbeing.”