Dozens of pupils rallied behind their school gates today in a classroom protest staged amid claims the school suspended a pro-Palestine teacher.

The school-goers at Oxford Spires Academy were supported by parents and community members who gathered outside the school gates, offering encouragement and megaphone chants to bolster the protest.

It is understood that Dan Glazebrook, a history and politics teacher at the school, messaged into a union Whats’App chat with more than 100 participants, telling them he had been suspended for wearing a Palestine-flag emblazoned tie.

This was confirmed by multiple councillors at the protest and several others in attendance.

In a message seen by the Oxford Mail Mr Glazebrook addressed his former pupils, saying: "I just wanted to let you know, I have been suspended from Oxford Spires Academy for wearing a tie bearing the colours of the Palestinian flag." 

A councillor present at the protest phoned Mr Glazebrook, in the presence of our reporter, and asked if he would speak to the Oxford Mail. 

He declined, citing concerns around impact on his career. 

Headteacher of the school Louise Cowley said: “I am unable to comment about an individual case, but it remains the case that schools have a legal duty, as set out by the government, to act as politically neutral spaces and we will continue to work hard to ensure that we comply with regulations.

“I have already met with a group of students this week so that they could share their concerns and views with me about the Israel, Hamas conflict and I support and understand their right to protest.

“We want our students to be citizens of the world and are proud of the steps they take to inform themselves about current events, which is why I designated a space for any students to express their feelings on topical matters this lunchtime.”

In a letter addressed to parents and carers yesterday (Thursday, December 14), Ms Cowley highlighted the school’s guidance around political issues.

The letter read: “During periods of heightened political activity and sensitivity, including around elections or in the aftermath of significant political events, staff should be mindful to avoid activity within the school that could be construed as promoting a particular partisan view.”

It's been claimed that a second teacher has been suspended.

The school has denied that Mr Glazebrook, or the other teacher, have been taken out of service.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that no staff members have been suspended for being in support of any political positions.”

Councillors, former students and members of the public told the Oxford Mail why they had attended the protest.

Shaista Aziz, city councillor for Rose Hill and Iffley, who left Oxford’s labour party over Keir Starmer’s failure to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, said: “These young people are very brave. We’re here to show solidarity with them.”

Councillors Barbara Coyne and Jabu Nala-Hartley shared the sentiment, stating they were also there to show solidarity with the students.

Moreen, a member of the public, said: “Young people often hold up a mirror to adults in terms of fighting double standards and protecting democracy.”

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1