Christians Protest After School Cancels Easter
Demonstrations took place outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, after the school announced it would not hold its traditional Easter Bonnet Parade or Easter church service. Approximately 50 individuals, many affiliated with the Living Word Church in Fareham, gathered in protest. The demonstrators carried banners supporting Christian values and criticized Headteacher Stephanie Mander for what they saw as a diminishing of Christian traditions within the school.
The controversy began when Mander issued a letter to parents explaining that, instead of the traditional Easter events, students would learn about the holiday’s religious meaning through classroom activities and crafts. She emphasized that this change aimed to create an inclusive environment respectful of the diverse beliefs of all students. Despite her intentions, the decision was met with backlash from some members of the community, who felt that Christian customs were being unfairly pushed aside.
Among the protesters was Reverend Chris Wickland, who stated the demonstration was meant to highlight what he and others viewed as the growing marginalization of Christianity in public education. UKIP leader Nick Tenconi also joined the protest, using a loudspeaker to read Mander’s letter aloud and criticize what he described as a decision driven by diversity quotas and potential funding incentives.
Not all responses to the protest were supportive. A small group of parents formed a counter-protest near the school, expressing concerns about the impact such demonstrations could have on children. One parent, who chose to remain anonymous, defended the school’s revised approach, citing financial hardships among families as a factor in the decision to forgo the traditional Easter Bonnet Parade.
In response to the growing controversy, Mander reaffirmed the school’s dedication to inclusivity and acknowledged the disappointment some families felt. She noted that the school is open to developing new ways of celebrating seasonal events that are welcoming to all students. Throughout the protest, local police monitored the situation, reporting that the event remained peaceful and concluded with a collective prayer by the demonstrators before the end of the school day.