A proposal to change the school curriculum to include more teachings on colonialism and the trans-atlantic slave trade has been given the green light.
A motion by the SNP called on the council to include “the undiluted history of our country, blemishes and all, in our schools curriculum as a means of tackling racism.”
The party said its proposal was formed with the input of academics, educationalists and politicians with Labour councillors voting alongside the Nationalists to carry the motion with the Conservatives’ amendment being defeated.
Councillor Danish Ashraf, who put forward the motion, said: “To our knowledge this is the single largest step in Scotland towards decolonising education in any Scottish council.
“This expansion and strengthening of our curriculum to include the reality of the former British Empire, colonialism and the many generations lost to the transatlantic slave trade is well over due.
“This is a huge victory for Scotland as we all benefit from the truth being taught and of course in particular for descendants of former colonies and of afro-Caribbean ancestry.”
The education motion comes as the council also opted to establish a Cross Party Working Group to understand how how the council can better deliver an environment where all residents are able to live their lives free from racism and discrimination.
This was put forward in response to the Black Lives Matter Movement.
NLC deputy leader Paul Kelly said: “Although there has been significant efforts to end discrimination in the UK, Scotland and North Lanarkshire I think we must be honest, they have often been inadequate.
“I am pleased that rather than just state that we support the objectives of the Black Lives Matter movement, we are taking a very significant step forward by the council to take action to tackle all forms of racism.”
