Queens’ School in Bushey have removed ’Drake’ as one of their house names due to its links with the British slave trade.
The house was named after Sir Francis Drake who is celebrated as the first Englishman to circumnavigate the world and for his role in the battle against the Spanish Armada in the 16th century.
However, a petition has been set up recently to remove a statue of him in Plymouth due to his links with the slave trade.
On Thursday evening (June 11), Queens’ School announced they have removed the house name with immediate effect.
A statement on their Twitter read: “The Board of Governors have unanimously agreed to remove the name Drake from the School with immediate effect. This measure forms part of a wider commitment to create a safe learning environment where equality is promoted, diversity is valued, and discrimination is not tolerated.”
The decision has received a mixed response, with one user replying: “Why not go the whole nine yards and scrap history lessons, you know, just because the history of our country offends anyone.”
Whilst another response read: “I genuinely cannot believe that there are parents that are outraged by this decision? You want your child to be in a house that represents one of the darkest eras of our history. Get a grip.”
The school have released a full statement regarding the decision on their website, which can be read here queens.herts.sch.uk/a-statement-about-queens-school-house-names/
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