Farage Accuses Teachers of Indoctrination, Pledges Support for Hillsdale College Curriculum
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has sparked controversy with accusations that teachers are “poisoning” children with ideas related to race, specifically referencing Critical Race Theory. These claims were made during a recent event at Hillsdale College in the United States.
the remarks drew immediate condemnation from the National Education union (NEU), the UK’s largest teaching union. A spokesperson stated that Farage’s suggestions were “grossly irresponsible,” asserting that the union and the teaching profession do not promote Critical Race Theory. They further warned that a Farage-led government would be “a disaster for education and children” and would likely result in cuts to public services, including education.
Reform UK currently leads in polls by approximately 10 points, but has yet to detail a extensive education policy or appoint a dedicated education spokesperson. However, Farage’s speech indicated a desire for a significant overhaul of the UK education system and curriculum, acknowledging it would be a “massive job…absolutely herculean” taking ”years, years to turn around.”
During the event, Farage differentiated between generations, stating Gen Z is more open to critical thinking while millennials are “absolutely hopeless.” He expressed a desire for education to focus on teaching students to consider “two points of view” and “make up your own mind,” contrasting this with what he perceives as a current trend of labeling one viewpoint as “virtuous” and the other as “evil.”
The exchange between Reform UK and the NEU has been fraught with tension. Kebede, a representative of the NEU, previously labeled Reform as “far right and racist” and described Farage as “a poundshop Donald Trump.” In response, Farage accused Kebede of being “a self-declared Marxist” intent on “poisoning” children’s minds with anti-country sentiment. He alleged the union is attempting to indoctrinate teenagers against Reform.
Approximately one million people are employed in UK schools, with roughly half being teachers and the remainder comprising teaching assistants and support staff. The NEU represents around 450,000 members. National teacher strikes in 2023 over pay and working conditions caused significant disruption and resulted in millions of lost learning days.
Farage also pledged to actively promote the online educational materials of Hillsdale College within the UK.He stated he would help the college reach “hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of young people” with its online courses. Hillsdale College, a small private Christian college, offers free courses and states its mission is to provide an education necessary for “personal happiness and to perpetuate the blessings of civil and religious liberty.”
Reform UK did not respond to a request for comment.
