Police investigate social media messages after Glasgow pupils subjected to racist abuse

Image by gov.scot

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has condemned “vile racists” for writing racist comments under a post she shared on social media.

Sturgeon visited St Albert’s Primary in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow to take part in a virtual assembly led by Keep Scotland Beautiful, where she was informed about the daily live lessons given to the students about climate-related issues.  She later reposted a picture with the pupils, many of whom belong to multi-cultural ethnic backgrounds, on Friday. This visit marked the end of climate week.

She had retweeted the photo, writing: “Thank you @StAlbertsG41 – you were wonderful as always”, under which several users made racist comments.

The school later posted a statement, after the response to Sturgeon’s tweet saying: “After an exciting day celebrating our success with our First Minister we have been subject to the most horrific racist abuse.

“We are proud to serve our community, proud of our children who demonstrate the best of Scotland.”

The First Minister retweeted the statement and wrote: “Every brilliant young person and every member of staff @StAlbertsG41 is worth a million and more of the vile racists who hurl abuse at them.

“It’s my privilege to represent the wonderful, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural Southside of Glasgow. I stand with them, always.”

The statement released by the school also said: “Our motto is Creating Conscience Led Communities. We will continue to embed this in all our practice.

“We urge all our colleagues to embrace equity in all policy and practice and stand as active allies with anti-racist and culturally responsive practice.

“We are sending love and hope it touches the hearts of those who live in hate. Thank you for your support.”

Several prominent Scottish leaders also expressed their support.

Scottish Greens co-leader and Glasgow MSP Patrick Harvie said, “Solidarity with pupils and staff at @StAlbertsG41 who have been subjected to a torrent of racist abuse.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar tweeted: “Sending love and solidarity. No place for hate or racism – regardless of who it is from or who it is to.”

Glasgow City Council said the social media messages are now being investigated by the police.