Claims that schoolchildren were banned from singing Christmas carols have been dismissed as “fear mongering” by the Education Minister.
The row erupted after Julie Edge raised concerns in Keys, asking Minister Daphne Caine “which of her department schools did not allow the words of Carols to be sung during Christmas events”.
Mrs Caine responded that her department “does not collect information on individual schools decisions” but, after contacting every school, “not one reported that Carols were not sung”.
Rules
Pressing the issue, Ms Edge said she had received “factual information” from constituents about a school where this occurred, warning that without clear guidance, teachers from the UK might impose different rules.
“How on earth will they know not to apply the way that the Isle of Man wants it if there is no guidance and no policy?” she asked.
The minister rebuffed the suggestion, saying the exchange “feels a bit like fear mongering with rumours or hearsay.”.
She urged the member to name the school in question, adding that “Carols are sung. Nativity is celebrated”.
Ms Edge hit back: “I do not stand in here and say hear say or fear monger… It is factual information I am bringing in here to ask a question.”