'Abhorrent': Scottish council slammed after moving adult English classes from school campus

Renfrewshire Council announced it will stop language lessons for asylum seekers on a shared school campus after a backlash led to protests outside the gates.

Critics, however, have pointed to the fact the council has been vocal in its support of the Black Lives Matter anti-racism movement.

Robina Qureshi, CEO of charity Positive Action in Housing, said: “It is frankly abhorrent.

“The council appears to be caving in to prejudice and bigotry instead of standing up for what is right.

“In doing so, it is sending a message that hostility towards refugees will be rewarded.”

St James’ Primary School in Renfrew shares ground with a nursery and a community learning centre.

Despite the community centre having a separate entrance and its own toilets, community members held protests about English language (ESOL) classes.

Footage shared online showed men outside the campus during the school day and false information was shared stating that asylum-seeking men were being taught in classes with children.

Ms Qureshi added: “Those of us who grew up with racism in our faces, while Scotland was in denial, know exactly what this is.

“People of colour who come here seeking safety are again being made to feel unwelcome, despite their genuine efforts to resettle and become part of the local community by learning English.”

The human rights campaigner pointed out that, in June 2020, Renfrewshire Council passed a motion to support educational events for Black History Month following the killing of George Floyd in the US.

She said: “Elected members also voted to recognise Black History Month every October and to consult with the region’s Black community on how the local authority could best support events throughout the year.

“So where are those so-called ‘anti-racist allies’ now?”

After protesters appeared outside the school premises, parents were informed by Renfrewshire Council that ESOL classes will be relocated “to avoid any further disruption to the school.”

A letter to parents said the lessons would be “paused” while “alternative locations” are found.

Nuzhat Uthmani, teacher and lecturer in teacher education who specialises in antiracist education, said the move was “deeply disappointing” and the council bowing to “pressure rooted in prejudice”.

“The same voices that complain migrants ‘don’t integrate’ are now opposing the very opportunities that support language learning and inclusion - a contradiction that exposes how much of this rhetoric is driven by racism, not concern,” she added.

“Adult English classes help people, often women and parents, to contribute confidently in society, to be able to work and contribute to the economy and support their children and their learning at schools.

“To apply a blanket implication that migrant learners are somehow dangerous, reinforces damaging stereotypes and fuels division, pandering to what we see is a rise in far-right hatred.”

Ms Uthmani said the council, as a public body, has a duty to challenge fear and misinformation.

A Scottish Refugee Council spokeswoman said English classes are a “lifeline” for anyone trying to rebuild their lives in Scotland.

“Not being able to understand or speak the language in a new country makes it very hard for people to find their feet and feel at home,” she added.

“Courses like these play a vital role in helping people gain confidence, make connections, find work and thrive in their new communities."

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Moorpark Community Learning Centre sits within the same building as St James’ Primary School and Moorpark Early Learning and Childcare Centre. It is used by a range of community groups and managed by community learning staff. Access to the school and nursery itself is behind secure-access doors, which are safely managed by school and nursery staff.

“Until last week, the centre hosted some English language classes. However given the strength of feeling being expressed by some parents, and to minimise any continued disruption to the children’s education and to school staff, it was agreed it would be best for all concerned to move those classes to an alternative venue.

“We remain fully committed to welcoming new residents to Renfrewshire and to supporting them to settle into the local community.”