by JOSE RAMOS
Christian protesters have gathered outside a school which recently scrapped Easter celebrations in order to ‘respect diverse religious beliefs’.
The faithful gathered outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire with banners reading ‘Headteacher Stephanie Mander wants to cancel Easter – let’s cancel her!’ after the announcement.
They argued with people during teaching hours about ‘wokeism’ and what they claim is the ‘erasure of Christianity’ in schools.
But many parents reacted with fury, which forced the school to clarify that Easter will be celebrated with children being taught about it in lessons and assemblies and taking part in Easter-themed craft activities.
The group of Christian protesters from the Living Word Church, based in Fareham, Hampshire, held England flags with the words ‘Jesus: the way the truth the life’ and ‘Jesus is kin’ printed on them outside the school.
Several protesters wore headbands with bunny ears on them.
The faithful gathered outside with banners reading ‘Headteacher Stephanie Mander wants to cancel Easter – let’s cancel her!’ after the announcement.
They argued with people during teaching hours about ‘wokeism’ and what they claim is the ‘erasure of Christianity’ in schools.
Reverend Chris Wickland said the protest was against the school cancelling the Easter service and what he called the exclusion of Christianity in schools.
He added that the group was ‘not [there] to cause trouble’.
A group of about 10 parents took up position in front of the school gates as a counter-protest to the Christians gathered on the opposite side of the road.
Nick Tenconi, the leader of UKIP, attended the Christians’ protest as a member of the Disciples of Christ – a protestant denomination popular in the United States.
He said: ‘We are saying that Christianity is being put to the side so that head teachers can tick a diversity box to receive more money.’
The protest follows backlash against the school online after its announcement, with commenters calling the decision ‘disgraceful’ and ‘shambolic’ fearing Christmas celebrations would be cancelled next.
Iqra, who didn’t give her surname, acted as a community liaison for the parents during the protest.
She said: ‘I am just so upset that the children are being taught hate. It is just so unnecessary. None of those people have children at this school.’
A member of the Christian protest handed a number of chocolate eggs in baskets to the parents at the counter protest.
The group also set up a table with Easter eggs and a ‘Happy Easter’ banner on it.
At the time of the original announcement, the school’s headteacher said: ‘By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families.’
Norwood Primary School is a mixed primary school for pupils aged between 3 and 11, and it has no religious affiliation.
Miss Mander continued: ‘We understand that this change may be disappointing for some, especially those who have cherished these traditions over the years.
‘However, we believe that this decision aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity.
‘We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years, that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community.
‘We appreciate your understanding and support as we make this transition.
‘If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
‘Thank you for your continued support.’
At the protest, UKIP leader Nick Tenconi read the first letter to parents from Miss Mander on a PA system.
Whenever the head’s name was mentioned, the parents cheered ‘we love her’.
Parents also shouted for Mr Tenconi to read the second letter from the head teacher, and he replied that it was only written after backlash, from groups like his, following the first.
One of the Christian protestors, grandmother Marie Pigney from Titchfield, said: ‘When I was in school Christianity was very much a part of it. I and many others believe that a foundation in Christianity is really good for children and society. Christians are fed up of being pushed out and being called names.’
Another Christian protester Rob Owen said: ‘We are here to maintain that this [Easter] is part of our culture and traditions and needs to be maintained.
‘We are here to support Christianity and its traditional celebration.’
He said: ‘They are taking something away from the children by protesting something being taken away from the children.’
Another parent who did not want to be named said: ‘At the end of the day they are still celebrating Easter.
‘Miss Mander is an amazing person, she has brought this school out of the gutter.
‘Parents have different views, but as a Christian if they think it’s better to celebrate Easter in the school then so be it.’
He added that part of the reason the school decided to scrap the bonnet parade is that low income households couldn’t afford to make one.
He said that families have been given a number of forums with the school to voice their concerns.
The Christian protesters said a prayer and packed up before the end of the school day, at around 3.15pm.
A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: ‘Officers from our local neighbourhood policing team and protest liaison team were present this afternoon.
‘We worked closely with the organisers to ensure any disruption to local residents and the school was kept to a minimum.
‘No offences were committed and no arrests made.’
