A teacher in UK was forced to apologize after he called Palestinian flags threatening in his video. While commenting on the participation of a large number of students in pro-Palestine protests in the UK said that some people saw the flag as a “symbol of antisemitism”.
Video of his speech went viral on social media, prompting protests outside the school. Extra police were then deployed outside school.
Mike Roper, a headteacher at Allerton Grange High School, in a two-minute video addressed the 20 students who had participated in the pro-Palestine protests carrying the Palestinian flags. He urged them not to use flags and symbols as some people may see the flag and “feel threatened and unsafe”. He went on to add: “That flag is seen as a call to arms and seen as a message of support for antisemitism.”
Read more: How to end Israel’s aggression against Palestine
Students in their response called the statement of Roper ‘inflammatory’ and ‘shocking’.
Later in the statement released, he apologized for his previous remarks. Roper said he was, “deeply sorry that a particular example I used in that assembly, referring to the Palestinian flag, has caused such upset”. He assured people that he will closely work with the local councilors and community representatives on the issues raised.
@GavinWilliamson,@OliverDowden,@Jacob_Rees_Mogg Is this right? The UK government MUST intervene and STOP this ANTI UK DISPLAY of the Palestinian flag and deliberate CANCELLING of a. UK teacher!! https://t.co/8JMZjxZsSx
— Jonathan Blair (@blair1952) May 27, 2021
What!!!
Who is this guy!?
A teacher in UK saying Palestinian flag is a call to arms!?
Well, let's keep a track on this story
I bet dollars to donuts he keeps his job!!!If I'm wrong I will apologise
Let's see how far we have come in UK2021🤔— Stephen Smart (@Fimgermouse) May 21, 2021
His statement garnered massive criticism on social media, with Scottish Green Party politician Ross Greer tweeting, “Imagine being a Palestinian kid at this guy’s school, being told your national flag is inherently hateful. Outrageous and racist behavior from someone in a position of power.”
An online petition calling for his dismissal had received hundreds of signatures from students.
Read more: Mia Khalifa names and shames Israel, USA for violence in Palestine
“He has caused concern and alarm within the Muslim community due to his extremist views and has caused distress, upset and anger within the surrounding Muslim community,” it said.