School Faces Backlash after Easter Celebration Canceled Out of ‘Respect for Diversity’
The head of a British school is facing criticism after she canceled its traditional Easter celebrations, drawing protests from demonstrators who claimed she was erasing Christianity in the name of diversity.
Approximately 50 members of a local church assembled outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, England, on Friday, opposing the decision by headteacher Stephanie Mander to cancel the school’s Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service, The Telegraph reported. The school is not tied to any religion.
Living Word Church led the protest. Around 10 parents gathered to support Mander.
The headteacher had told the school community in a letter that “the change may be disappointing for some, especially those who have cherished these traditions over the years.”
“However, we believe that this decision aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity,” Mander wrote. “We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community.”
The school has since said that children will learn about Easter in lessons and participate in themed craft activities, the newspaper said.
“When I was in school, Christianity was very much a part of it,” Marie Pigney, a grandmother from Titchfield, told The Telegraph. “I and many others believe that a foundation in Christianity is really good for children and society. Christians are fed up of being pushed out and being called names.”
Said protester Rob Owen, “We are here to maintain that this [Easter] is part of our culture and traditions and needs to be maintained. We are here to support Christianity and its traditional celebration.”
Mander, though, had her supporters.
“Miss Mander is an amazing person, she has brought this school out of the gutter,” said one parent who did not want to be named. “Parents have different views, but as a Christian, if they think it’s better to celebrate Easter in the school, then so be it.”
Police said the protest was peaceful.
Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Petronilla Husbands
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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Originally published April 09, 2025.
