MPs Demand Inquiry Into Racially Biased School Classifications, London

Labour MP Kim Johnson has called for a public inquiry into past injustices where Black children were wrongfully classified as 'educationally subnormal' and placed in special schools during the 1960s and 70s. This initiative aims to uncover the long-term impacts of these practices and address ongoing systemic racism in education. Survivors and advocates shared their experiences, highlighting the detrimental effects on their lives, including increased school exclusions and incarceration rates. The inquiry is seen as necessary not only for justice but also to prevent similar discrimination in the current educational framework. While the government has expressed reluctance to initiate an inquiry, it acknowledges the ongoing challenges faced by Black students, particularly in achieving equitable outcomes. This call for accountability reflects broader concerns regarding how educational systems continue to marginalize minority groups today.