School 'dismayed' at race war claims (From Haringey Independent)

John Loughborough School 'dismayed' at race war claims

2:20pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

Officials from a school earmarked for closure have hit out at emails which they say are using their current situation "to perpetuate their own ideals".

The John Loughborough Seventh-day Adventist School, in Holcombe Road, Tottenham, was earmarked for closure last month by Haringey Council.

Since then the council opened a consultation about the closing and received an email in response from a third party claiming the closure of the school was part of a "race war".

The school has distanced itself from the email and has reassured parents its aim and commitment is the education of pupils at the school.

Berton Samuel, acting chair of John Loughborough School said: "The John Loughborough School is at a critical juncture in its history, as it strives to work with the Local Authority and the Department of Education to provide continuing education for the children in its district.

“At such a critical time, we are dismayed to have seen recent Email messages from external parties not connected with the school, seeking to use this time to perpetuate their own ideals and objectives.

“We strenuously object to our school being associated with any of the actions detailed in the Email messages, and we would urge those parties concerned to seek an alternative arena to pursue their aims and objectives.

“The John Loughborough School is an inclusive multinational school where cultural diversity is wholeheartedly embraced, and where creed or colour is not a barrier to success.

“Race is not a war we fight, race is a journey we all experience.

“We welcome all legitimate support which follows the democratic process in which we are engaged.”

Propsals to close the school came after a review found it did not meet the required educational standards and has not done so for some time.

A final decision over the closure of the school will be taken when the consultation has finished on November 19 and all responses have been reviewed.