Glasgow councillors have condemned the racist abuse levelled at South Side school pupils by online trolls earlier this month following a visit by the First Minister.
A social media post celebrating the success of Climate Action Week activities at St Albert's Primary in Pollokshields was targeted with a torrent of abuse, some of which was aimed directly at young pupils.
An update on the actions taken by the council to support staff and students following the event was brought before the full council meeting on Thursday.
READ MORE: Glasgow children targeted by racist trolls after Nicola Sturgeon visit
Convener for education, communities and equalities, councillor Christina Cannon, confirmed that the council’s education system would continue to embed equality and eradicate racism in schools and the wider community.
Councillor Cannon said: “We as an administration and as a council fully support the staff and pupils at St Albert’s primary school who were subjected to this vile, racist attack online.
“We should be challenging anyone who directs racist abuse online but for this to be directed specifically at children is absolutely disgusting and those who are responsible should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.
“In relation to St Albert’s education services, we were in contact with the school over the weekend when the racist abuse took place.
“As well as direct contact, various social media sites linked to education services were used to publicly express support to the school and condemn the racist attacks.
“The message is clear, racial abuse whether online or in person will not be tolerated. The council provided as much support as possible at that moment but we also want to continue looking at embedding an anti-racist approach in our education system to not only provide support if an when it happens but ensure we are doing all we can to eradicate from our schools and wider society for good.
“If anyone is treated less because of who they are, then we as a council stand in solidarity with them. Our commitment to our young people and children is that we will constantly work to accelerate systemic change every single day.”
Pollokshields councillor Jon Molyneux thanked the convenor for the update and highlighted the importance of calling out racism online and in person.
Councillor Molyneux said: “I know the school community has been very grateful for all the support it has received and I do think it is important that we respond to their calls for more action from social media companies who allow this abuse to be spread on their platforms and are too slow to react.”
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