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Lee Jasper
Lee Jasper: calling for the creation of 'black-only' schools

Lee Jasper: black-only schools will beat gangs

Rashid Razaq
09.09.08

Lee Jasper has returned to the political limelight with a call for the creation of "all black" schools.

The former race adviser to Ken Livingstone resigned after allegations that he had channelled public money to groups to which he was linked personally.

Now Mr Jasper has advocated racebased schooling to tackle gang violence and raise education standards for black Caribbean students.

He said: "The fact is, it's time the black community ran its own schools, devised a curriculum that suited the needs of our children, employed teachers that look like the young people they are teaching.

"Some of the greatest black leaders in the world - Dr Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, to name just two - attended all-black schools and universities."

The ex-City Hall deputy claimed the schools would be a "beacon of excellence" for the black community and accused "liberals" of dismissing the idea while accepting faith-based education for Jewish, Muslim and Hindu children.

Mr Jasper said the schools would be open to all races but would be "focused in terms of their ethos, ethics and curriculum to the needs of our children". He added: "I'm not arguing here for a BNP-style 'apartheid education system'. I'm talking about the vision of establishing inclusive beacons of black academic excellence."

His comments come after a study suggested black Caribbean students are less likely to be entered for highertier science and maths exams because of low teacher expectations.

Police are still investigating the funding of five organisations, all granted London Development Agency cash, and Mr Jasper's involvement.

Mr Jasper resigned in March from the former mayor's staff after sending sexually charged emails to a married woman, who was also receiving public money.

The former race and policy adviser escaped personal criticism in an LDA audit report in July, but panel chairwoman Patience Wheatcroft said that his actions were part of a police investigation.

The report said it had not carried out "an extended review of the influence exerted by mayoral advisers".

It added that investigators had found "ineptitude rather than corruption" in advisers dealing with the LDA.

Ms Wheatcroft said: "We are not giving Mr Jasper's actions a clean bill of health. That's something that the Met is looking at."

Mr Jasper claimed he had been exonerated and added that he was " gobsmacked" because he had expected the Tory-dominated panel to be critical of him.

Reader views (56)

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"Some of the greatest black leaders in the world - Dr Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, to name just two - attended all-black schools and universities."

They didn't have much choice in the matter, did they?

- Tom, Jordan, Minnesota

what about the mixed race school?

- Ray, LONDON

So Phil Jones would be happy to spend vast amounts of public money on black only schools, simply to teach them a different angle on history?
How out of touch are you? the failing black pupils and gang culture stems not from any issue with schooling, but from the HOME, parental education or the lack off is the real issue here. But the issue is no one in the black community will stick their neck out and address the 'real' problem, will they?
Jasper only knows two things, stirring up racial tension and how to and I quote "spend the white man's money". Thankfully many people know exactly where he's coming from and what the real problem is. And unfortunately it won't be dealt with under this government.

- Simon Caleb, London

How hideously racist and retrograde Lee Jasper is, thinking pupils need to be taught by those who "look like them". Doesn't he realise that all brains are the same colour?

- Wills, London, England

My son did 11! GCSE's at a predomentaly "black" Westminster school.His results: 5 A's and 6 B's, to the absolute astonishment of his Teachers! They themselfs couldn't beliefe how someone could do so well,under the given circumstances: 18 black Boys,(not one of them with a Father at home!)making a mockery of any attemt of teaching,shouting,laughing,running around and bullying Pupils who tried to learn something.But the black Pupils were the ones getting awarded at the end,for doing well in "wood work!", no one recognized the achievement of the few asian and even fewer white pupils!
Of course,not one of the black pupils went on into further education: there is just no interesst installed in those kids,and that needs to be addreesed by the black community: no good blaming everything on Goverment and Sociaty!
So,for the sake of every willing white and asian Kid: let them have black schools,dosn't really matter from where you go into the Benefit system,what is the favoured career choice of so many!

- Alfred, london

I think that Lee Jasper makes perfect sense. Each group of schools could have a similar core curriculum, but then could differ in options. The black-student schools could teach about the history of emigration of black people into Europe and the U.K., while the white-student schools could concentrate on the history of the U.K./England. One big problem with schools at present is that they straightjacket all students into learning material that to different segments seems irrelevant. So I agree 100% with Mr Jasper's suggestion.

- Phil Jones, London UK

Lee Jasper is not black - he has a white mother and Jamaican father. If only the 'Black-Only schools' he stupidly espouses had been around 40 years ago, he could have been cut in half with one half going to a black school and the other to a white one, and we'd all have be spared his toxic nonsense. The man is a bitter and twisted old nobody with an ego the size of a whale.

- Thomas - Brockley, London - UK

what a fool...have you heard anything so racist?... i wish this man would stop talking on the behalf of the 'black' community. Our children are failing for the same reason why other kids are failing, its because they are bored and not challenged by the school system. but the only difference is the teacher perspective of the students. From when you study teaching it is drummed into you that 'black' children are more likely to fail but it is never explained why nor is it investigated. Only when the teachers are re-educated only then will all children start progressing.

separating them will only cause problems when they mix together in everyday life because they are not familiar to each other and stereotypes become installed.

- Cassandra, uk

If we are to take this charlatan, Lee Jasper by his word, and fully understand the real issue many black youths have, is would be that a large percentage of them don’t wish to integrate, and would prefer to be schooled and perhaps even living in an all black society. Hence the continuous bleating they’re the victims of racism. Walk around with a ‘white (or any other colour) society owes me’ attitude, and you’ll sadly, isolate yourself in the process, which is exactly what is happening to a percentage of black people in Britain today. So rather than deal with the real issue at hand (outward racism from the black community), they’re living with the misguided attitude, that it’s easier to blame everyone else for their own problems.
The numerous back professionals I mix with have little problem with integrating, and making a success of their lives in this multicultural society that makes up England 2008.
Word from the wise, drop the ‘self pity’, ‘anger is strength’ or ‘respect me’ chip on your shoulder and learn some compassion, acceptance of others and concentrate on educating yourself. You’ll find that’s a truly positive and empowering way to live your life.

- Simon Caleb, London

I am so tired by the endless stream of anti-white racism. If a white politician said they wanted only whote pupils and white teachers they would be accused of pro-apatheid racism. Why is he allowed to get away with this?

On a separate point he is talking rubbish. As most black teenagers are killing each other, I am not sure how segregation is supposed to help.

- Clare, London

In my oppinion, what we should be striving for, are equal chances in our education systems for all, not setting up black or white only schools of excellence for our young. All schools should be excellent. All children should be given the opportunity of an excellent education. And all our children, regardless of colour, religion or ability should be guided to acchieve their very own personal best.


I can hear the re-sounding echos from racist groups upand down the country "See, we warned you 'they' couldn't integrate"

Shame on you Mr Jasper, I remind you that Dr King died and Nelson Mandela spent a lifetime imprisoned trying to undo what you are suggesting we return to.

- Kate Whaley, London, UK

Yeah, good idea, it's called Apartheid isn't it?
can we have all white (or at least European) schools or would that be Rascist?
At least the police would know where to find the perpertrators (and victims) of street crime in London.

- Kerry Trubee, purley

Erm, is it just me or is Jasper missing the point about why Mandela and King went to all-black schools?

- James Marwood, Ascot, UK

where would he get enough black teachers from? and not all black teachers would want to work there i guess. then you have black students who are christian and those who are muslims - will these schools cater for them all. and how about all those mostly black special centres already existing where the ratio is 1 to 1 where millions of £s are spent, are they a success. mr Jasper should mobilise the black communities wherever they are right now and talk to them to ensure they start regaining and retaining and passing on their family values etc. then everything will fall into place whichever schools the students attend

- Aster, london uk

"The fact is, it's time the black community ran its own schools, devised a curriculum that suited the needs of our children, employed teachers that look like the young people they are teaching."

The irony is that Mr. Jasper looks to me like someone whose ancestry is at least half European. If he was growing up somewhere where this policy was in place, would he have to divide his time between 'black' and 'other' schools, or would he need a school made up of other kids (& teachers) matching exactly his own ethnic makeup?

As for the idea that teachers have to "look like" their pupils--nonsense, and racist in itself. I had one teacher who was half-Nepali; and another who was ethnically West African, born in Nigeria (my own ethnicity is thoroughly Northern European). I respected them as my other teachers, and what I did or didn't learn had nothing to do with their skin colour(s).

- Liz, London, UK

Lee Jasper's ideas seem more like those of the BNP. Strangely, though, we don't see protesters camped outside his offices shouting "racist".

Segregated schools should logically be followed by segregated neighbourhoods. We can then give them administrative responsibilities and call them "black townships". It's certainly an idea that has been tried before.

Perhaps Nick Griffin will offer Jasper the job as race advisor to the BNP. They would make great bedfellows.

- Michael D, London

We seem to have a lot of black race relation experts who are in fact out and out racists. If a white person suggested a white only school the likes of this hypocrite would be spouting all sorts of racial bias. These people have made a career out of stirring up racial tensions where there were none and playing the race card at ever opportunity and have for years got away with it. It needs to stop.

- Duncan Walker, Ex Peckham now Samui Thailand

All I have to say, is somewhere a village is missing its idiot!

- Triffid Queen, London

A white man expressing the same views as Jasper would be doing it from a police cell, so why isn't he?

- Steve, swansea UK

Mr. Lee, I hope you read these comments. I m pretty sure that the whole basis of MLK's work is to promote integration and unity between races. He went to All-black schools because at the time he had to. Also who do you suggest pays for these school? Everyone, mostly the wealthy white people, yet they are supposed to be segregated schools? If you want one so bad get the people who will be attending these schools to pay!

- Madilyne, Harrow, UK

Perhaps they should go back to the Caribbean where they will be sure to be all black schools!

- Pamela Smith Watts, Jackson, MI. USA

Lee Jasper is courting controversy to keep himself in the spotlight. Methinks he is running out of money and needs another job. If we all ignore his daft ideas, maybe he will go away quietly like his former boss.

- John Roberts, London, UK

Mr Jasper - I hope you read these comments, you should be using your influence to promote integration not segregation - where do you think you live? How patronising do you sound. Integration and therefore tolerance is the only thing that will work. Separation leads to isolationist view points - and we all know where that will get us.

- Jc, SE1

What an ass to make a comment like this...

- Sarah, London

Who needs any Ultra right organisations when you have muppets like Lee here!

- James, N1

A very ignorant suggestion by an ignorant man who earns a living through race-mongering!
Black kids who desire all Black schools like Mandela and Martin Luther King Junior should simply move to Black countries.
Race mongers and White idiots might need to be reminded that Britain is a White country that has merely permitted immigrants into its fold. Britain is not like America where some Blacks can claim to be part of!
Irresponsible efforts by race mongers and white idiots to ask for too much for ethnic minorities would ultimately lead to disaster!

- Ezhi Opfu, London

What's really troubling here is Lee Jasper is in effect condoning the absent or disinterested black fathers/parents of this country and expecting others to pay for it with despite what he calls them, segregated schools.
He's also, either indirectly accusing the teachers or the failing black pupils of racism.
Think about it Mr Jasper, you've just opened a very large, messy can of worms for yourself

- Simon Caleb, London

They used to have a system like that in S. Africa. It was called "apartheid", which literally translated means "separateness". It would be very ironic and sad indeed if Mr. Lee is advocating such a development at the expense of the public purse!

- Jan Bors, london U.K.

Shame on him ! Thank God this fool has been removed from a local government position. Just look at the LDA fiasco he was involved in.?

- Sarah, London

Mr. Mandela didn't go to a 'black only' school out of choice. Why hasn't he been investigated over the LDA mess? This man hasn't realised it yet, but he's actually a racist. I'm sure there are lots of 'black only' schools in the Caribbean, his followers can go to school there, if he's so keen.

- Nige, London

When will the black community realise that when they use the term BLACK - as in Black Police Association etc etc - they automatically separate themselves from the rest. If they don't want colour to be an issue, stop using it to describe themselves.

- Rob, London

It has been many years since Lee Jasper has been one of the leading figures at the forefront of race relations and politics in the United Kingdom. Whilst I am not in full agreement with his suggestion that to prevent the serious problem of 'gangs' in the u.k, there should be all blacks schools. I do commend him for some of the hard work which he has done over the years for the black community, and I would be the last person to dismiss his achievement record. That said, there is no doubt that there is a very serious problem with young black children who are going through the educational system in this country. Clearly, something needs to be done. However, with these comments, Mr. Jasper appears to be out of touch with society in general. This begs the question, should we bring up young black men and women to only interact with each other? And if we do so, how will they be able to interact with the rest of society? After all, lets not forget, that although we as black people have a large contingent in London, we remain a small minority in the United Kingdom. Thus, it stands to reason that our young people need to know how to interact with everyone. Let's teach our youngsters how to understand, and communicate on every level, and most importantly integrate. If we do so, we can all learn the importance of developing as individuals, as well as a community. Lets not try to adopt the system in the United States. We are black British, lets be proud of this, and help our youngsters.

- Nigel-Paul Brissett, London, United Kingdom

Great suggestion! But do WE get all-white schools? ...Or is that "racist"?

- Brian Clacey, Croydon

Question, what constitutes 'black'? What about mixed race kids? Will there be a colour/pantone chart?

I think this project only serves to polarise not integrate, cannot see the sense in it.

- Wendy K, London

Racist! How about some whites only schools or are we heading back to America in the 1960's. I think Jasper should keep his BNP style views to himself.

- Gordonc, London

I say give him the black only schools: These places will be over run with gangs and violence in no time, then how could they blame white society? In 2008 every person needs to be responsible for themselves and stop blaming others or making excuses. Britain is one of the most multicultural countries in the world and there is no excuse for poor standards, people only have themselves to blame. The fact remains the majority of knife crime in London is committed by black youths and white society is not responsible for this, black society is!

- Brandon Thomas, London SW7

The only political party in the UK that would applaud Jasper's latest idea are the BNP.
As a former anti-apartheid activist it appals me to see this influential black political figure calling for a policy that was a centre piece of Verwoerd's apartheid programme.
This is a call for segregation, this is a call for apartheid.
"The further left-wing you go, the more right-wing you become". Bleasdale never wrote a truer word.

- Danny, London

The 'needs' of all children are the same: A sound education to prepare them to become a useful, self-respecting member of society. Mr Jasper feels black children should be taught by people who 'look like them'. I wonder what would happen if white parents said they didn't want their children taught by black teachers? No wonder London's in the mess it's in when clowns like this are given jobs based on the colour of their skin. Why is the Standard wasting print on this racist idiot?

- Chris, London, UK

He really hasn't got a clue. All this will produce is one enormous gang confined to one area. All educated (or not) at the same school. How long will it be before the one school thinks that the other school is "on our patch" and kicks off a gigantic turf war. Silly man.

- Jimbob, Kensington

This is ridiculous - it is returning to old style segregation with a different spin on it and is once again dividing children due to colour. One thing I do agree with is that we need more black teachers - I work in a school in Brixton where over half the children are Black Caribbean and we have only 1 black teacher. It's up to the black community to step up to the plate and start teaching in inner city schools - but ones that teacher all races and colours.

- Emma, Nunhead, London

At last, someone speaking sense. We should give our children any and every chance to succeed, and we are obviously not doing this at the moment. Times have moved on, and integration is no longer an issue, but the lack of inspirational teachers to young black kids is. Surely anything new that may help kids achieve, whatever colour or creed, is worth a try.

- Noel, Stockwell

'Many schools in London have become by default black only or majority black after the white residents either left the area or placed their children in church or private schools.'

Actually Adam many black parents such as myself send their kids to a church or private school, so to implicate that these schools (particularly church schools) are predominately white is false. However, I do agree with Adam when he makes the point about bad influences and the idea of being clever not being hip for a lot of black children (particularly boys). Personally as a black parent I want my child to go to a ethnically diverse school as i did. London is a diverse city and the schools should reflect this as much as they can. I would not want my daughter to go to a school with only black children - how will she learn about and respecting other cultures and diversity?

- Kh, London UK

How racist is this man? And with his track record of doing nothing, other than complaining and living high on the hog, who should listen to him? What would he have said if (miracle of miracles there was an organisation for whites, hidden amongst the many for every other colour) someone pressed for all white schools? Are we to look forward to separate countries for blacks, Asians, Scots, Welsh, etc? And will each section be paid for by itself? The country is too small.

- Helen, norwich

Thank God this fool has been removed from a local government position. He should never be allowed to hold another. Just look at the LDA fiasco he was involved in. How would these schools prepare their pupils for the outside world by segregating them from other races? And what about mixed race children? Where would they go to school under this scheme?

- Mike Stern, london

Lee Jaspers comments are lame, Lee himself was in the position to help and be a leader like the martin luthors and mandelas but has let all of us black people down, sadly lee will only be remembered for helping himself in his position and his internet friends. Us blacks certainly don't need Lee's example, we need all blacks to stand up firstly to their families and then give a good account to all people.

- Colin, london se

What a load of rubbish. What black kids need are decent black male role models, not conmen like Lee Jasper.

- Liz, London

Nelson Mandela had to go to an all black school because of the vicious apartheid laws in South Africa. How far do you want to take this apartheid view of yours, after black community schools would you like to introduce black community ghettos? What exactly do you mean by "employing teachers who look like the young people they are teaching". As a "race adviser" would you consider it racist if white parents decided that they would like their children taught by teachers who look like their young people? If you have just returned to the political limelight can you just do a sharp about turn and leave.

- Patricia, London

Okay, so we have all black schools. Will these schools have the same rigid discipline as seen in the Caribbean? If so, the little darlings will soon be spouting their 'human rites'. This is another Red-Kennish stupid idea put forward by Mr. Junket himself. Fortunately, no right thinking person in the UK will take this bod seriously.

- Joannie, London, England

It's high time those black people who are (still, surprisingly) held in high regard amongst the black community worked on integration in this mixed society we ALL live in.
It hasn't gone unnoticed how a certain percentage of black people here in South London, don't appear at ease when mixing with other nationalities and colours. This deeply misguided idea from an clearly naive Lee Jasper is not only fundamentally flawed, those great black spokesmen had no choice when it came to their education, but would create a deeper rift amongst the people he speaks for.
What the black community needs are people who can educate understanding and compassion, not a limiting, narrow minded them against us attitude.
Wake up Lee Jasper, this is 2008, not 1968!

- Simon Caleb, London

So the BNP propose 'apartheid education system' by not including black children, but excluding white children from these schools would be 'inclusive beacons of black academic excellence'. Maybe he should have used some of that dodgy expense money to buy a dictionary...

- Mark, London

....Dr Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, to name just two - attended all-black schools and universities." ...This was 70-80 years ago. I think we have moved on from then. I am sure Mr.Jaspers will have some nice friends who will need large amounts of ( tax payers )money to set up these schools. I would have thought Mr.Jaspers may want to keep quiet for a while until his recent affairs have been investigated.

- Martin, London GB

I thought the reason that King and Mandela went to all back educational institutions was because they weren’t allowed into the white ones. For years this man has spouted drivel, and seems intent to continue to do so. Would he be looking for a position on the board of governor’s of these schools or oversee the finances?

- Garry Johnson, London

Erm, isn't this just American style segregation? "Some of the greatest black leaders in the world - Dr Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, to name just two - attended all-black schools and universities." Yes but surely not by choice, they were forced to attend all black schools by backward political systems. I can't believe Jasper is suggesting this as a positive, forward step!

- Mcw, London

A bit late for half baked ideas now Jazzy, apart from swanning on countless junketts what have you and Ken been doing in City Hall for the last eight years pal?

Tell this crazy suggestion to New York and you'd get laughed out of town.
What are you on?

- Dave, cumbria

If a white politician were to suggest that we should have schools exclusively for white children with teachers who 'looked like their pupils' it would have been his or her "Enoch Powell" moment before they were consigned to the political wilderness.

Many schools in London have become by default black only or majority black after the white residents either left the area or placed their children in church or private schools.

The Black pupils fail at school do so because it isn't seen to be hip to do well or be academic. This is the fate that befell Damilola Taylor. He was a high achieving black pupil until he was robbed of a future by black kids who didn't like the fact that he was bright. The influence of violent, homophobic gangsta rap music doesn't help either.

- Adam, Harrow, UK

"Some of the greatest black leaders in the world - Dr Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, to name just two - attended all-black schools and universities"unquote -to name just two, how many more can he cite? Is he saying great black leaders only attend all black schools or can he not name any more? Idi Amin? Robert Mugabe perhaps? When will this racist fool be silent...?

- Pat, The Hague, Netherlands


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