Motion 32
Tackling the Influence of the Far Right in Scotland’s Educational Establishments
“That this Congress notes with alarm the continued rise of far-right ideologies across Scotland, the UK and internationally. These ideologies foster division, racism, misogyny, ablism, homophobia and transphobia, and use economic insecurity to foster this division.
“Recent reports and studies indicate that extremist narratives are increasingly targeting young people through online platforms, social media, and informal peer networks. Schools, as spaces for learning and development, must remain safe from divisive and harmful ideologies that threaten equality, diversity, and democratic values.
“Congress believes that all workers have a role in resisting the far-right, with education workers having a critical role as they engage with young people. Schools, colleges, and universities must be places where young people learn critical thinking skills to identify misinformation and biased platforms, and to be able to engage respectfully with people of different views and backgrounds. Young people need to understand the importance of human rights, democracy, and equality, and not to foster further polarisation within society.
“Educators must be supported to counter hate, promote critical thinking, and create safe learning environments for all students.
“The Scottish Government and employers also have a role to ensure that the teaching profession is protected from intimidation from the far-right, who often campaign against young people learning effective critical thinking skills.
“Congress calls on the General Council to lobby the Scottish Government and education employers to implement a comprehensive anti-far-right strategy that:
- funds more equality education together with political education, Education for Peace and digital literacy for young people;
- trains educators (with sufficient allocated time and resources) with the skills to best support young people, including the skills to identify early signs of radicalisation and provide constructive support;
- strengthens partnerships between schools, parents, and local authorities to create a united front against extremist influences; and
- works with unions to help protect education staff against far-right intimidation.”
Mover: Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)
RSS