MEND Statement: Standing in solidarity with Muslim students and alumni of The London Academy of Excellence

MEND is highly concerned about allegations of Islamophobia faced by former students of the London Academy of Excellence (LAE), Stratford. Harrowing testimonies have emerged, detailing how Muslim students were refused access to a prayer space and were made to feel marginalised during their time at the Sixth Form.

There must be a zero-tolerance for Islamophobia in our education system. 

The Department for Education’s guidance on advancing the public sector equality duty in Schools recommends “enabling Muslim pupils to pray at prescribed times.” Schools and colleges that aren’t doing this are failing to understand their responsibility to ensure equality for people covered under protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.

Islamophobia must never be left unchallenged and MEND stands in solidarity with the brave victims who have spoken out. Consequently, MEND supports the alumni’s demands of: 

1. A reversal of the decision made by the LAE governing body in 2015 regarding the removal of the onsite prayer facilities that allowed communal prayers;
2. Appropriate remedies being instigated where there have been proven failures to adhere to formal policies and agreed processes.
3. Disciplinary action to be taken against staff found in any investigation to have been Islamophobic and/or failing in their duty of care towards LAE pupils; 
4. A full and unreserved apology to LAE pupils and alumni, concerned individuals and the wider Muslim community; 
5. A commitment to address institutional Islamophobia and to build an inclusive environment for Muslim students at LAE, in line with the Equalities Act 2010.