School Play Canceled Amid Racism and Abuse Over Refugee Theme
A primary school in Inverness, Scotland, has scrapped its Christmas play after receiving "racist and abusive" messages over a scene depicting Syrian refugees. The decision by Cauldeen Primary School comes amid rising tensions at schools across the country, where far-right protests have led to adult English classes being canceled.
The play, "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme," featured Santa showing two young people the hardships faced by refugees on the Turkish border. However, some individuals mistakenly inferred that the production had anything to do with the migrant situation in the UK nine years after its creation. Police Scotland is investigating allegations of threatening and abusive online communications.
The school's management said it was deplorable for people to react with racism and accuse the school of indoctrination. The wellbeing of staff and pupils remains the top priority, with alternative festive learning activities being introduced instead of the play. This decision highlights the growing tensions in Scotland over migration policy and the impact of social media on public discourse.
Similar protests have erupted at other schools, including Dalmarnock Primary School in Glasgow, where protesters gathered to object to adult English classes for parents. The school's officials denied claims that the classes posed a threat to children, stating that they were part of a family learning offer and would continue as usual.
A primary school in Inverness, Scotland, has scrapped its Christmas play after receiving "racist and abusive" messages over a scene depicting Syrian refugees. The decision by Cauldeen Primary School comes amid rising tensions at schools across the country, where far-right protests have led to adult English classes being canceled.
The play, "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme," featured Santa showing two young people the hardships faced by refugees on the Turkish border. However, some individuals mistakenly inferred that the production had anything to do with the migrant situation in the UK nine years after its creation. Police Scotland is investigating allegations of threatening and abusive online communications.
The school's management said it was deplorable for people to react with racism and accuse the school of indoctrination. The wellbeing of staff and pupils remains the top priority, with alternative festive learning activities being introduced instead of the play. This decision highlights the growing tensions in Scotland over migration policy and the impact of social media on public discourse.
Similar protests have erupted at other schools, including Dalmarnock Primary School in Glasgow, where protesters gathered to object to adult English classes for parents. The school's officials denied claims that the classes posed a threat to children, stating that they were part of a family learning offer and would continue as usual.
Just read about Cauldeen Primary School canceling their Christmas play over racist messages 
. Stats are out: 62% of schools in Scotland have seen an increase in racism incidents, up from 45% last year 
. Meanwhile, online abuse is on the rise too - we're talking 15 million reported incidents just last quarter alone 
. It's heartbreaking that a simple play can spark such hate & division over a 9-year-old show 
. On a related note: did you know 70% of Scottish parents believe their kids are being bullied online due to social media 
? This is why we need more education on empathy, not just tech literacy 
.
I don't get why people are so worked up about this play... it's just kids telling a story on stage 
. It's just art, you know? 
And those parents who were protesting the English class... I feel bad for them, but can't they see that these classes are there to help their kids learn a new language and get better jobs? 
I don't think it's fair to cancel them just because some people don't like 'em. 
What's next, canceling books that explore hard topics just because someone might get offended? 
Can't believe schools are being canceled over something as simple as a Christmas play 
. I mean, what's next? Cancelling Halloween costumes because someone might be offended by a pumpkin? 
It's ridiculous that people can't just let kids express themselves and learn about important issues like refugee rights. We need to teach children empathy and understanding, not fear and intolerance 
. And what's with the online abuse? That's not acceptable behavior at all 
. The school made a mistake, sure, but should they be penalized for trying to educate kids about a real-world issue? Not cool, Scotland 
. We need more inclusive and nuanced discussions around sensitive topics, not knee-jerk reactions 
.
... just because someone makes a mistake on stage or writes a play, it doesn't mean we gotta be racist or xenophobic 
. The fact that teachers & students are now having to deal with online abuse is just heartbreaking 
... schools should focus on education, creativity & fun, not fear-mongering or hate speech 
! Let's all try to be more empathetic & understanding 
just heard about Cauldeen Primary School canceling its Christmas play over some people being super sensitive about refugees... like, come on guys, it's just a play 
. It's not like they created some sort of propaganda piece #notmyholidayseason. Schools should be about learning, growth, and fun 
! Can't we just focus on kindness instead of tearing others down? 
. Scotland needs more positivity and less division #UnityInDiversity
Next thing you know, they'll be protesting a kid's art project about diversity 
One scene from an 8-year-old play about Syrian refugees on the Turkish border is enough to send people into a rage. It's like, calm down, folks! Get over it. The fact that police Scotland are investigating these allegations just shows how messed up our society has become.