Teachers have voted to oppose ‘reprisals’ against pupils who walk out of school to campaign against climate change.
The National Education Union (NEU) voted to stand in ‘full solidarity’ with those who have been taking part in global protests.
A motion calling for teachers to oppose ‘any reprisals’ – such as detentions and exclusions – against students taking action was passed at the NEU’s annual conference in Liverpool.
It states: ‘The rights to strike and protest are fundamental democratic rights for students and workers alike.’ The motion instructs the executive: ‘To call on schools not to take action against students.
‘We pledge to support student defence campaigns as necessary.’
The amendment also calls for climate change to be in the curriculum.
NEU joint general secretary Mary Bousted said: “We are delighted that students are taking the issue seriously.
“We support the cause, absolutely. We can not support children walking out of school, because that would potentially put those children and young people in danger – we have a duty of care.
“So we support the cause, but we can’t support young children walking out of lessons. We have a duty of care.”
Education Secretary Damian Hinds has previously said skipping class will not help the environment.
