The Reform UK leader Accuses Teachers of ‘Poisoning Our Kids’ on Race Issues

Nigel Farage has asserted that teachers would go on strike shortly after a success at the polls for his party, charging that they are “harming young minds” by instructing students that black pupils are victims and white children oppressors.

At a gathering for a Michigan-based religious institution, the politician expressed his perspective on British schools, stating that the “Marxist left” had “now in control of our education system”.

“I’m anticipating a teachers’ strike soon after winning the next general election,” Farage commented in response to questions.

“They are corrupting young minds. They are telling them to feel guilt about their nation. They are telling little Johnny, who’s eight, who is black that he is a victim and little Oliver, who is white, who is eight that he is an oppressor. They are dividing us, not uniting us. They promote this harmful mindset.”

Reacting to Farage’s claims, the head of a major education union dismissed the notion that the schools were under Marxist influence as “absurd”. Kebede noted that any strikes must relate to educators’ working conditions, and questioned whether Reform would attack these immediately upon entering government.

“The politician has crafted his political career on coded rhetoric and now, like Trump, he is lining up teachers and their organizations for a conflict,” the union leader said.

“I think that’s grossly irresponsible. I don’t – and nor does my union – push critical race theory as he claims … Should he become prime minister he would sell out our public services, particularly schooling … and the outcome would be catastrophic for students and learning.”

Reform, which is leading the polls by about 10 points, has not set out much detail on its educational plans and seems not to have designated an education lead.

However, his comments indicated the group would reform the educational framework. Farage declared: “We have got a massive job with schooling – absolutely herculean. Moreover, we can’t do it in six months or a year; it requires years, years to turn this around.”

Farage expressed that gen Z was more open to critical thinking, but older youth were “completely lost”.

Honoring a conservative activist, Farage said: “My goal for schooling is to teach critical thinking – to instruct people that there are two points of view and you make up your own mind as opposed to what’s happening now where one is virtuous and one is evil. It’s a massive job in both Britain and America.”

Reform has previously clashed with the UK’s largest teaching union, after Kebede called the party “extremist and prejudiced” and described the leader as “a poundshop Donald Trump”.

Farage has accused Kebede of being “a self-declared Marxist” … an individual intent that young minds be corrupted through education, their minds should be poisoned about everything to do with this country” and maintained that the organization seeks to brainwash teenagers against Reform.

Almost one million people work in schools in the UK, with educators comprising half and the remainder being assistants and administrative personnel. The major education union has about 450,000 members.

National strikes over teacher pay and conditions in 2023 caused widespread disruption in educational institutions and extensive missed instruction for children.

At the US event, Farage also vowed to promote the digital courses of the Christian college in the UK. He stated organizations like it were “key to resistance”, noting: “I am serious. I will help attract vast numbers of young people to these educational programs. I pledge this tonight and I will follow through.”

The institution, a small private Christian college, offers free courses. Its website states: “Comprehensive learning is vital for well-being and to maintain the benefits of civil and religious liberty. The college furnishes these excellent programs for free to all who wish to learn.”