Following the killing of George Floyd at the end of May, and the subsequent global protests, we at Ealing Independent College are issuing a statement that rejects racism in all forms, assesses our current approach and commits to ensuring that discrimination will never go unchallenged within our community.

The College did not immediately post a statement because we felt this situation and our response deserved a collaborative, considered, reflective and accountable action which brings about lasting developments based around how we act on a daily basis.

To be clear, Ealing Independent College absolutely stands against racism and supports the values and ethos of Black Lives Matter. We continue to work towards embodying these values and this ethos within the College.

Whilst we unequivocally condemn the brutal killing of George Floyd, this statement is not only for him. This statement is for Shukri Abdi, and others who have been neglected by institutions meant to protect. This statement is to show our support for all black lives and the movement. Black lives have mattered since long before the current uproar and will always matter.

We will continue to stand with the official Black Lives Matter movement. We will continue to openly condemn and eradicate discriminatory behaviour within the college. We will continue to be a college that uses our voice. We will continue to stand with our students.

As a College, and in support of the principles behind the Black Lives Matter movement, we recognise we have a role to play in sending a message to our student body and the wider community that racism in all its forms can never be tolerated. Racism persists in society and education and we intend to play our part as best we can in changing this, encouraging the values of respect and tolerance towards others. 

To stand against racism means that all members of our community must be confident and bold enough to challenge racism and that we also continue to reflect on our own actions and behaviours.

Here at EIC, we have implemented a new 'Charter' moving forward, which all students will be signatories of when they return in September 2020. Click here to read our Charter against Racism at Ealing Independent College. 

- Alexandra (Year 12 Student) and Allan Cairns (Principal).