Lenzie Academy pupils 'disgusted' by mocking Take a Knee tweet

The since-deleted tweet from the school's physics department read: "Take a knee? Aye you can f*** right off".

A former pupil at the East Dunbartonshire school, Laura Pollock, who now works as a Scottish Parliament staffer, has written an open letter to Brian Paterson, the headteacher, blasting "the undertones of racism that has radiated through the halls and classrooms, affecting students emotionally, physically and mentally".

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The letter was to be delivered with 418 signatures from pupils and alumni to Mr Paterson last night.

The letter went on: "We are all disgusted by the tweet sent by the official ‘Lenzie Academy Physics Department’ Twitter account. We support the action for this to be investigated by the Department for Education and Trust they will take suitable action against the perpetrator; however, we believe further action must be taken.

“We have also been disgusted by student accounts which have emerged in the wake of the tweet, who have experienced racism and the response of the school and its staff.”

Depute Chief Executive, Education, People & Business, Ann Davie, said, "I
completely understand the many concerns within the school community
regarding the offensive, racist and abhorrent tweet that was posted on a
Lenzie Academy twitter page last week and I am also aware of other
associated concerns that have been shared via various social media
platforms.

"East Dunbartonshire Council will not tolerate any racist behaviour or
attitudes within our schools or in any other aspect of Council activity,
and as such, I have instructed full investigations, which are currently
ongoing. The matter has also been referred to Police Scotland.

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"I have written to parents and carers of pupils at Lenzie Academy and have
taken steps to ensure that support is available for any parent/carer and/or
pupil who has any concerns regarding this. This support will be provided
by senior officers of the Council who are independent from the school."

The signatories called for senior management at the school to take action to tackle racist behaviours and attitudes they say are present at the school. 

Ms Pollock said she recognised that the majority of staff "are exceptional on their teaching and support of pupils" but that a small number of staff were "having a detrimental impact through their behaviour and complacency". 

Police Scotland have not received an official complaint but are working to establish the circumstances of its publication. 

The tweet in question took aim at the practice of people getting down on one knee, in peaceful protest against racism. It became popular in the US after an American footballer took a knee during the national anthem. 

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The letter also suggests that pupils' wellbeing was "not the priority" during their time at the school. 

The letter added: "Without genuine action Lenzie and Lenzie Academy will always have associations with Racism and Racial Bias.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We are continuing to work with East Dunbartonshire Council and Education to establish the full circumstances and details around this tweet from Wednesday, 3 June, 2020. Any reports of criminality received from members of the public will be fully investigated."