Stonewall’s worrying school guidance

Stonewall’s ‘Diversity Champions’ programme appears to have been haemorrhaging members since an investigation by the university of Essex found that the organisation had been preaching ‘Stonewall Law’ rather than the actual law.

But it is not only corporations, councils and government departments who have been persuaded to part with good money to receive questionable advice. Stonewall’s similarly named ‘Schools and Colleges Champion Programme’ seems to have sucked places of education into the charity’s web as well. As a teacher I know how tight school budgets have become in recent years, but it seems that several schools have still found money to hand over to Stonewall.

The sums are not trivial. A large comprehensive is asked to part with £550 every year to become a Stonewall education champion, a small village primary £150. As well as branding and logos, the schools champions scheme comes with training – which parents and teachers should certainly be aware of.