An open letter to Cranleigh School regarding June Sarpong OBE event on DEI and VAT

Hi All,

Below is an open letter, written to Samantha Price, Head of Cranleigh School, regarding an event they are holding that features June Sarpong OBE on diversity and inclusion -- and independent schools.  Ms Sarpong has openly called for the abolition of independent schools.

I have written to Ms Price, suggesting that this event become a debate on diversity, inclusion and independent schools.  I believe we can only reduce inequality by lifting people up, not tearing them down -- and that includes children n independent schools.  

I look forward to the opportunity and hope we can make this happen.  

You can find the letter, sent this morning as an email, below:

To: Samantha Price, Head of Cranleigh School,

Dear Ms Price,

I lead the Education Not Taxation campaign, which opposes the Government's tax on independent school fees and is supported by over 230,000 parents.

I saw that you have invited June Sarpong OBE to speak with Cranleigh students about diversity and inclusion tomorrow (Tuesday 6th October), despite her view that "it’s time to put an end to our private school system altogether” -- and Sky News running her contribution under the headline "Why it's time to scrap private schools", like Cranleigh.

I am writing to make a request for this event: Why not make this a genuinely fascinating and thought-provoking debate and invite a different perspective?  I'd be pleased to join this event to provide that view.

In addition to leading ENT, I am a parent of an independent school child with SEND and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion.  I also am a Native American, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, and have spoken on national and international platforms about diversity and inclusion.  Examples  include:

Empire with David Olusoga (Episode 1, BBC 1):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002hytj/empire-with-david-olusoga-series-1-episode-1?seriesId=m002hytf-structural-1-m002hytg

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story (Charlesbridge):
This award-winning picture book retells the American Thanksgiving story from a Native American point of view, challenging the narrative that defines the nation.  
https://keepunumuk.com

Exeter Chiefs Branding Perpetuates Racism: Native Americans Deserve Better (iNews)
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/exeter-chiefs-branding-perpetuates-racism-native-americans-deserve-better-745834

The true story of Thanksgiving means I’m marking a Native American National Day of Mourning instead (iNews)
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/thanksgiving-true-story-native-american-national-day-of-mourning-1317383

I believe in tackling inequality by lifting people up — not by levelling people down or taking opportunities away from some children.  Abolishing independent schools -- or punishing parents of independent school children -- won't help with diversity and inclusion.  Analysis of government data shows that it is simply removing choice and straining state schools.  It is also worth remembering that, according to the latest ISC Census, 42.2% of independent school children are from a minority ethnic background (page 23).  

I’d be very happy to take part in this.  Let’s have the conversation.

I look forward to any thoughts you might have.

Best regards,

Tony Perry
Founder, Education Not Taxation