Homophobic and ‘misogynistic’ books found at East London school
Inspectors rated Zakariya Primary School, located inside a mosque, as “inadequate.” (Google)
An independent primary school in East London has been marked as “inadequate” by inspectors after homophobic and “misogynistic” books were found in the school’s library.
According to an Ofsted report, staff at Zakariya Primary School in Forest Gate “have not taken effective steps to protect pupils from extreme views.”
“One book promoted intolerance and hatred towards homosexuality,” said Ofsted. “Another book contained misogynistic views on the role of woman.”
Despite the school saying pupils do not use the library, students have said they do regularly. (Pexels)
“Many so-called wise people are committing it, but sodomy is such an awful thing that even animals abhor it except the pigs,” read one of the books found by Ofsted inspectors.
Homophobic books purportedly do not fit the ethos of the school
Leaders at the school told inspectors that they were unaware of the literature mentioned. They added that they were unsure whether students had read the books as pupils of the school do not use the library, but pupils discredited these claims by saying they use it on a regular basis.
“The issues raised from the recent Ofsted visit do not sit comfortably with the ethos of our school.”
“We have however discussed, at length, with the inspectors that we do not associate or condone any extreme behaviour and that we promote respect towards all people, in line with the Equality Act 2010,” proprietor of the school Asif Choudhury told the Newham Recorder. “The issues raised from the recent Ofsted visit do not sit comfortably with the ethos of our school.”
Social media content promoting disrespect of others
Ofsted also reported finding that the school promoted events on its social media pages that did not encourage respect of other people. It was said that the school’s online content did in fact conflict with the Equality Act 2010.
Ofsted said that if the £2,600-a-year school, which currently has 91 pupils, fails to improve, it may potentially face closure.
