Elementary pupils show support for gay headteacher in best way possible

Pupils made rainbow hearts to hang at the school’s entrances (Photo: @GarethKaneLD | Twitter)

A gay headteacher in England has spoken about the messages of support he received from his pupils after he was targeted by homophobic graffiti outside his school.

Miles Wallis-Clarke is headteacher of Hotspur Primary School, in Heaton, Newcastle. ‘Primary’ school in the UK is the equivalent of elementary school in the US.

Last week, Wallis-Clarke discovered the vile graffiti outside the school. Despite being at Heaton Primary for 15 years, he says this has never happened before.

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He posted a message about the incident on the school’s Friday newsletter bulletin.

“This week some of you will have seen the homophobic and libelous abuse about me sprayed at the entrance to school. This was hurtful and upsetting. The hate crime is being dealt with appropriately and we have suspicions about the perpetrators.

“To be attacked for who you are is a horrible experience. Some people question the need for Pride celebrations or work in schools on equality and diversity. There is a need when there is this level of hatred for difference in our community.

“At the same time, I recognize that other people have a more relentless experience than I have had. There are members of our school community who suffer racism on a daily basis and fear it every time they open their door.

“There are others who live with misogyny and domestic violence and see no way of escape. This is why we place importance on these issues in our curriculum.

“How am I feeling? A little damaged to be honest. Sometimes angry and then quite sad. However, the support from my husband, family, colleagues, our governing body and many others has been wonderful.”

Police are investigating the graffiti as a potential hate crime.

Returning to work on Monday, Wallis-Clarke was bowled over by what greeted him. His school kids had painted rainbow hearts and strung them up alongside rainbow flags outside the school. He was also sent cards and messages of support.

He told the local newspaper the Chronicle:

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