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Girl barred from speech on school’s culture day

A 12-year-old girl in Rugby was not allowed to speak during a diversity event due to her outfit.

July 15, 2025 at 05:02 PM

Girl in union flag dress barred from giving speech on school’s ‘culture day’

A 12-year-old girl faced barriers while expressing her British heritage at school.

Girl barred from speech on culture day at Rugby school

A secondary school in Rugby, Warwickshire, experienced controversy during its cultural diversity day when a 12-year-old girl was prevented from delivering a speech she had prepared about British culture while wearing a union flag dress. Courtney Wright, a year 7 student, was told that the event was not meant for her because she celebrates being British every day. Her father expressed disappointment after she was asked to sit at reception instead of participating. The school later apologized for the incident and committed to making changes to ensure inclusivity for all students.

Key Takeaways

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The school apologized for the incident and plans to review its policies.

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Courtney’s father expressed concern over the decision to exclude her.

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This event raises questions about the boundaries of cultural representation.

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Schools must find a way to include all expressions of identity.

"We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies."

This quote reflects the school's response to the controversy surrounding the incident.

"On my way to collect my daughter from school. She’s currently being made to sit at reception waiting for me."

Courtney's father shared this statement on Facebook, expressing frustration with the situation.

"We are committed to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued and included."

The school's assurance of future changes to promote inclusivity is significant.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions around national identity and cultural expression in schools. While the school aimed to celebrate diversity, the decision to exclude a display of British culture sparked backlash. Moving forward, schools may need to balance respect for all identities without overlooking the significance of national pride. Finding that balance is essential for fostering community without alienating students.