Dad refuses to let daughter, 12, complete homework that consisted of writing a letter about converting to ISLAM
Mark McLachlan has refused to let his child complete the homework task set by a secondary school in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear
A DAD has refused to let his 12-year-old daughter complete her homework that consisted of writing a letter explaining why she had converted to Islam.
Mark McLachlan said he failed to see what the task would accomplish.
The 43-year-old said: “When I saw this assignment in the planner, written by the teacher, you could have knocked me over with a feather.
“I told her she will not be completing it and she is more worried about getting detention.
“We send our kids to school to get a good education and use what they have learnt to have a good career.
“I have no problem with them learning about religions but I feel they should not be asking 12-year-olds writing to their parents about why they are converting. I just found the task wholly inappropriate.”
Mark says he raised his concerns with the Kepier School in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, and was told the task was part of the curriculum.
He added: “I know as part of the national curriculum they have to learn about all religions.
“I just don’t see why they should ask a child to write a letter addressed to their family about converting to another religion. I really just don’t see what the letter will gain.”
Mark took a photo of the assignment and posted it online, where it has been shared hundreds of times.
Speaking to The Sun today he told how he had been taken aback by the reaction he has received.
He said: “This really has touched the nation’s nerves. It’s obviously something that’s been playing on the vast majority of peoples’ minds.
“I’ve had some people mention the r word. There’s nothing racist about me at all. “You can’t fix a problem if it is hidden away”.
But Mark has also told of his fears that his outspoken comments could put the safety of his family in jeopardy.
He added: “I’ll be totally honest. I’m scared. I’m scared because I know exactly what goes on.”
School Principal Nicola Cooper said: “At Kepier we feel it is very important to introduce our learners to all faiths and cultures and we do this throughout the academic year. For example, next week we will be celebrating all faiths during National Inter Faith Week.
“We welcomed Mr McLachlan into school earlier this week and were happy to explain to him how we explore all faiths and cultures.
“Our Culture and Wellbeing programme of study is in line with the National Curriculum and we believe it provides the basis for a broad, balanced and engaging introduction to the areas typically taught in RE and PSHCE.”
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