Pupils at a primary school in Newcastle have given their own lesson in acceptance after making a colourful show of support for their gay headteacher.
Students at Hotspur Primary School in Heaton, decked out their school gates in rainbows after headteacher Miles Wallis-Clarke was targeted with homophobic graffiti last week, The Chronicle reports.
Police are investigating the incident as a suspected hate crime, but Mr Wallis-Clarke has been buoyed by the outpouring of support from parents and pupils.
He told The Chroncle: "There was quite a bit of graffiti outside the school which was very personal about me and homophobic. It had been put there so parents and students would see.
"I am a gay man, I make no secret of that at school and I'm very open and I talk about it. I have been at the school for 15 years and I have never ever had anything like that.
Lovely spontaneous demonstration of support by pupils and parents of @HotspurPrimary after a nasty homophobic incident last week #loveislove pic.twitter.com/MHFNUI5KpX
— Cllr Gareth Kane (@GarethKaneLD) September 30, 2019
"But from what was a hate crime so much love has come pouring out."
Northumbria Police are currently appealing for information on the homophobic incident, which comes in a year in which the teaching of LGBTQ-inclusive lessons on diversity and acceptance in primary schools has dominated the headlines.
“An investigation has been launched following a report of criminal damage at Hotspur Primary School, Heaton," said Inspector Robert Stowers in a statement.
“Overnight between September 23 and 24, homophobic graffiti was sprayed on the premises and a path outside the school. We are currently treating the incident as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing.
“Nobody should be victimised for being who they are and we are taking this incident very seriously – and will take robust action against those responsible."
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 349 240919 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
