UK:Govt Reverses Course on Look Through Terrorist's Eyes Class

This is a follow up to yesterday's story where the UK wanted its school children to look at events like 7/7 through the eyes of the terrorists. Public outcry has backed off the "do-gooders".

Hat tip to April.

Ministers in U-turn over guidance that urges children to think like suicide bombers

Ministers were forced into an embarrassing climbdown over guidance telling children to think about the July 7 terror bombings as they apologised for offending the victims of the attacks.

By Tom Whitehead, Home Affairs Editor
20 Feb 2009
The Government withdrew the controversial guidance for schools after a national outcry that it encouraged children to imagine they were suicide bombers.

Schools still have the final say on whether to use it but the Department for Children, Schools and Families has recommended headteachers not to do so.

But the council which drew up the document continued to defend it.

A DCSF spokesman said: "While the resource in no way looks to justify or excuse the terrible events of 7/7, and is designed to educate against violent extremism, we appreciate that it may not be appropriate for use in schools.

"It's important young people discuss these difficult and controversial issues in a controlled environment but, in this case, ministers apologise for any offence caused.
"Ministers have now withdrawn the link to the material from the Teachernet website as they believe it to be misguided and inappropriate. We apologise for any offence caused."

The pack, which is called 'Things do Change', is intended as a way of addressing issues such as terrorism and suicide bombing through the national curriculum.
Children are asked to summarise the reasons why they thought the 7/7 bombers wanted to carry out their attacks and even suggest some more.

It was immediately criticised by victims of the atrocity, including Jacqui Putnam, who survived the Edgware Road bomb, who said: "I can't see why anyone would think it is a valuable exercise to encourage children to put themselves in the position of men who treated people in such an inhuman way."

The document was produced by Calderdale council in Halifax, West Yorks, which borders the area where two of the July 7 bombers lived, and was adopted by schools and even police forces across the country.

The council yesterday stood by it and Mark Thompson, head of housing and community support, said: "The 'Things Do Change' resource pack is made up of 10 Modules, each one addressing an important element of our strategy to help, assist and encourage tolerance and promote community cohesion.

"'Issues of Community Cohesion' is just one of the 10 modules, this explores the impact of the 7/7 bombings, this is a factual module which is complimented by the DVD. The module has been carefully produced to encourage debate and discussions on what happened on 7/7. It provides young people with the opportunity to explore and share ideas with a view to breaking down stereotypes, barriers and prejudices."

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