A British MP is calling for a public inquiry into the historical classification of Black immigrant children from the West Indies as ‘educationally subnormal’ during the 1960s and .70s.
Labour’s Kim Johnson, who represents Liverpool Riverside, has been a strong advocate for those impacted by the ‘educationally subnormal’ (ESN) policy, which was disproportionately pushed onto Black children, often relying on flawed IQ tests. Many of those affected were part of the Windrush generation, who arrived in the UK from the West Indies and other Caribbean nations to address labour shortages following World War Two.
Swipe through to explore the ongoing struggles of these victims, the lasting trauma they face and the efforts of Black parents, educators, and community members who have stood up against racism and inequality in the UK education system.
Sources
https://www.bps.org.uk/blog/racism-and-inequality-british-education-system-how-far-have-we-come
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/articles/zhsxqfr
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmeduc/342/342.pdf
https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/education/2023/06/30/the-scandal-of-pupil-referral-units/
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/feb/05/schools.uk