School sparks outrage after claims pupils told to "not take the knee" during games

A school has sparked fury following claims students have been told they should “not be taking the knee” - a commonplace statement against racism - during games.

The practice, which has become widespread following the murder of George Floyd, is intended to make a statement against racism.

According to Yorkshire Live reports, concerns over the school's alleged regulation of the practice were raised after Instagram page @imjustsheff shared a picture of an alleged presentation given at the school.

In the image, one point reads: "Students should not be chanting, taking the knee as part of a game or demonstrating thuggish behaviour."

The school confirmed the photo was taken during a recent session - but said it was held after "gestures were undertaken inappropriately and not in the spirit that they are intended."

A spokesperson added: "We have not asked students to stop taking the knee and continue to teach them that by making these gestures they are making a valuable and important point."

However, many were left enraged after initially seeing the photo.

Shocked by the message, @imjustsheff wrote: "Since when did taking the knee become disruptive/thuggish in ANY manner?"

One Instagram user commented: "Disgraceful."

And another said: "This needs addressing asap."

A third added that "people need to take the knee" to "protest to this sort of thing."

Headteacher of Tapton School, Kat Rhodes, said: "Tapton School celebrates diversity; indeed it is a strength of our school. We uphold the values of tolerance, respect and valuing everyone.

"As a school, we encourage our students to have important conversations and undertake actions to ensure that everyone is valued and cared for.

“We continue to teach our students that by making gestures such as taking the knee, they are making a valuable and important point and contributing to an essential global conversation of respect and tolerance.

"A recent learning session with students followed some behaviour in which some gestures were undertaken in a manner designed to undermine the spirit of equality, and not for the purposes intended – those of solidarity, tolerance and respect.

“We will continue to work with our students and community to ensure that gestures are made in the way intended, upholding our values and ensuring that everyone is valued and cared for.”