School condemns Tommy Robinson video after far-right activist targets trans teacher in Staffordshire
A Staffordshire school has condemned the circulation of an online video after far-right activist Tommy Robinson travelled to Cheslyn Hay to confront a transgender teacher.
The video, posted on X, shows Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) outside the school in Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire and has since been widely shared online.
The footage centres on a teacher who is transgender, with Robinson making allegations about the school’s policies and treatment of pupils.
A spokesperson for the school confirmed to the Express & Star they were aware of the video.
“We are aware of a video being circulated online by an external individual and are working closely with the police and relevant authorities regarding this matter,” the spokesperson said.
They rejected claims made in the video that students had been disciplined over their use of language or a teacher's pronouns, describing them as “wholly inaccurate”.
“While we cannot comment on individual cases, all behaviour measures are proportionate, appropriate and in line with our behaviour policy,” the statement continued.
The school also addressed the targeting of a member of staff, stating: “We stand firmly against any form of discrimination directed at our school community. We remain a calm, inclusive, respectful and focused environment for learning and thank our parents and the local community for their continued support.”
One parent expressed distress over the attention brought to the school and the focus on a transgender member of staff, saying it has created fear rather than protecting children.
The parent told the Express & Star: "It is upsetting and worrying to have the school plastered over social media in this manner as it only invites hate and harassment to a place where our children should be able to feel safe and focus on learning.
"I have never heard of any child being punished for using the wrong pronouns to anyone in school.
"If the people behind this video truly care about our children's safety and education then they would not have done this. On top of that, I think it is disgusting to harass a school teacher on the doorstep of their home."
Staffordshire Police said it had been called to the school but that no criminal offences had been identified.
A spokesperson said: "We were called at 8.40am on Friday, January 30, to reports of a man using recording equipment and a loud speaker outside a school in Cheslyn Hay.
"The man had left the scene prior to our arrival. No offences have been identified as a result of this report."
Gavin Williamson, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, published a letter he sent to the school where he 'expressed concern' about the school's handling of the situation and called for an urgent meeting with the headteacher.
It read: "I am writing to express my concern regarding reports that the school has instructed pupils to address a teacher as 'MX,' and has taken steps to remove children from educational classes in order to 'teach pronouns.'
"A vast number of my constituents have been in touch to share their anger at this decision. Whilst I understand that it is important to be aware of sensitives such as this, I strongly believe a school's main priority should be academic rather than 'diversity box ticking' exercises."
