Woke Headteacher Erases History: Accused of Scrapping Names of Naval Heroes from School Buildings
A WOKE headteacher has been accused of “erasing history” by getting rid of the names of two of Britain’s greatest naval heroes from school buildings.
Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake: Controversy Surrounding Elizabethan-age Heroes
Parents were told Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake had “less than positive connotations” in modern times.
Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake: Reasons Behind Renaming
The Elizabethan-age heroes, who defeated the Spanish Armada and led discoveries to America, are among ten names of “houses” being scrapped at Exeter School in Devon.
Head Louise Simpson said those being axed no longer “represent the values and inclusive nature” of the school.
She is now appealing to parents to rename the houses at the £17,000-a-year school after local woodlands, castles or topographical features.
Backlash and Criticism: Community Reacts to the Change
But the change has been blasted by parents and alumni.
One former pupil told Central Recorder: “Instead of erasing the school’s history, the mature thing to do is let the pupils think for themselves.
“Woke cancel culture like this just makes people question the head’s suitability for the job.”
Controversial Pasts: Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Francis Drake, the first Brit to circumnavigate the globe, is claimed to be one of Britain’s earliest slave traders.
While Sir Walter Raleigh who famously helped defend Britain against the Spanish Armada, was an early coloniser of America.
General Redvers Buller won a Victoria Cross fighting in the Zulu War and was later sacked as Commander in chief of British forces in South Africa for failing to quash Boer guerillas.
The other names include philanthropists and benefactors Sir Charles Goff, Sir John Daw, Wilfred Townsend, Hugh Crossing, and Elizabeth Dowrich.
Community Outrage and Reflection: Impact on School Tradition
Head Louise Simpson said those being axed no longer “represent the values and inclusive nature” of the school.
Conclusion: A Shift in Tradition Sparks Controversy
In conclusion, the decision to rename the houses at Exeter School after scrapping the names of historical figures like Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake has stirred controversy and debate within the community. The move towards a more inclusive and representative naming approach has been met with criticism and backlash, raising questions about the erasure of history and the values that underpin such decisions. As the school navigates through this transition, the impact on its tradition and identity remains a focal point of discussion among parents, alumni, and the wider public.