15 February 2007
The British government has ordered an inquiry into allegations that an Islamic school in west London used textbooks which taught students that Jews were "apes" and Christians "pigs". The Saudi-funded King Fahd Academy has been severely criticized for allegedly using the books, which also describe other religions as "worthless". Schools minister Jim Knight said: "It would be completely unacceptable for any school to have material which makes the sort of inflammatory assertions that are being alleged. I have therefore asked the Department to make enquiries in relation to the recent allegations surrounding King Fahd Academy, and to confirm whether the school complies with its statutory requirements on promoting tolerance and harmony."
However, the Islamic school has vigorously denied teaching any form of racial hatred, saying the passages had been "misinterpreted". But head teacher Sumaya Alyusuf admitted the offending chapters had now been removed "in the public interest". She said that "the controversial passages within these books are not taught within the academy. However, in view of this public interest I decided to remove these chapters from the books." Details of the controversial text books emerged after a former teacher, Colin Cook, accused the school of institutionalized racism. He claims to have lost his job after blowing the whistle.
