West Yorkshire police have been criticised by Home Secretary Suella Braverman after it emerged that they recorded a “hate incident” following an alleged incident involving four school children at Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield.
According to reports, the children were suspended from school for a week after a Year 10 pupil, who is autistic, was told to bring in a copy of the Quran by friends after losing at a video game.
The book was allegedly damaged after being dropped in a corridor, leading to rumours that it had been set alight. The police were then called to investigate.
Humanists UK has criticised the school’s decision to suspend the boys, calling it “horrendous” and claiming that the school had been “pressured into excessive disciplinary action by a religious group”.
The mother of the autistic boy apologised for her son’s actions but said he had not intended to cause harm, adding that he was “incredibly disrespectful” due to his autism.
The headteacher of Kettlethorpe High School has said that the Quran remains “fully intact” and that the children involved did not have any “malicious intent”.
The school has also stated that it will be working with the suspended children to ensure that they understand why their actions were unacceptable.
The local Muslim community leaders have been consulted and the school has reassured the community that it is an inclusive school where all pupils should feel safe and secure.
