A Hampshire primary school has sparked controversy after cancelling its Easter celebrations to “respect diverse religious beliefs”.
Norwood Primary School informed parents that neither the Easter Bonnet Parade nor the Easter Service would take place this year.
Headteacher Stephanie Mander explained the decision was made to promote inclusivity.
“By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families,” she said.
Ashenden said the move is ‘Christianophobia’
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The announcement has prompted criticism online, with some questioning whether Christmas would also be cancelled.
Others suggested celebrating all occasions rather than cancelling them.
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Dr Gavin Ashenden has strongly criticised the school’s decision, calling it “Christianophobia” during an appearance on GB News.
“Easter is a lovely thing to have. Easter Bunnies are fun. The Easter story reminds people and teaches children there’s point in life, they’re loved and there is life after death. That’s worth hearing about,” he said.
Dr Ashenden dismissed the diversity argument as “nonsense”.
“It’s been gotten rid of in the interests of diversity, that’s nonsense. They’re actually excluding Christianity,” he argued.
Activities like Easter Egg decorating will not take place
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He described the headteacher’s decision as “incompetent”.
Dr Ashenden’s third criticism centred on Christianity’s role in European culture, citing Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s analogy.
“She used a useful analogy, saying Christianity is the operating system which has defined our culture upon which all the values we like are based and if you destroy the operating system, the apps won’t work,” he explained.
He described this as “a helpful metaphor” for understanding Christianity’s foundational importance.
Dr Ashenden concluded with a sharp rebuke of the school’s leadership.
“This is a really incompetent thing to do and this headteacher should be sent off to be retrained and taught a bit of common sense,” he said.
The controversy has led to planned protest action outside the school.
Christian group Disciples of Christ announced a protest for 3 April, calling the situation “unacceptable” and an “attack on Christianity”.
Dr Gavin Ashenden joined Andrew Pierce and Bev Turner on GB News
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In response, Miss Mander sent a second letter to parents addressing safety concerns.
“We are working with the police to monitor the situation very closely. All children are safe in school,” she reassured parents.
The school maintains it is still marking Easter educationally.
“Children continue to learn about and celebrate Easter both in our R.E. lessons and in our assemblies across the whole half term,” Miss Mander explained.
Children will also participate in Easter craft activities as term end approaches.
