School launches investigation after anti Muslim posts allegedly found on staff member’s Facebook page

The Mirror and Liverpool Echo report on an investigation launched by a Lancashire school after posts allegedly appearing on a staff member’s Facebook page contained derogatory remarks about Muslim women.

The posts were found on the page of Liz Leadbetter, a welfare assistant at Westhead Lathom St James’ C of E primary school in Ormskirk, Lancashire. The Facebook page showed an image of three women dressed in burqas in a town centre with the caption: “Derek saw these and did one. By God did we laugh.”

Another comment added: “He wasn’t staying around to get blown up, he said one had at least three vests on under that lot.”

A further comment read: “No way, these shouldn’t be allowed here.”

The posts were identified by a member of the public who notified the Liverpool Echo. The individual, a parent, who lives in the Westhead area, said: “I am a mum that lives in the Westhead area and I was going to send my daughter to Westhead next September.

“I am disgusted that the staff are publicly racist on a public post. I don’t know this staff member. I am looking to send my daughter to another school instead next year now due to this (which will mean extra travel). I just want the best for my daughter.”

The posts on Ms Leadbetter’s page have since been deleted and the content removed.

A statement from the school is not reported in the news reports although Lancashire County Council have responded to press inquiries about the matter stating: “[W]e are aware of this issue, which we take extremely seriously. We cannot comment further at this stage as it will be subject to consideration by the school. We will support the school throughout this process.”