Hi, I'm Vinna from Dear Black Women and Girls CIC. This petition has been created in response to the headteacher, Richard Beeson, failing to safeguard and protect a Black schoolgirl who was subjected to a violent racial attack on Monday, February 6th, 2023.

The attack happened outside Thomas Knyvett College at the intersection of Stanwell Road and Salcombe Road around 2:30 PM. The victim, the Black schoolgirl, was both verbally and physically assaulted; she was punched, kicked, dragged, and had her hair pulled by a group of white girls and adults. Meanwhile, the headteacher, Richard Beeson, failed to intervene and provide protection for the child.

The schoolgirl attends Thomas Knyvett College, which educates students aged 11-16 in Ashford, Surrey, England. Thomas Knyvett College is part of The Howard Partnership Trust. The Trust's website states, "The Howard Partnership Trust Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment." Yet, the Headteacher, Richard Beeson, and the school failed in their responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the student under their care, which is completely unacceptable.

The police have initiated an investigation into the recent attack and have made several arrests in connection with the incident. A 39 year-old woman, a 16 year-old girl, two girls aged 11 and 10, and a 43 year-old man have been taken into custody. The police are also actively seeking to arrest a 15 year-old individual in connection with the attack.

However, it is deeply concerning that a teacher, who is entrusted with the care and education of young people, would fail to intervene while a student, a Black girl, was being attacked. This inaction not only endangers the child but also sets a harmful precedent for other students. The fact that the Headteacher did not intervene is completely unacceptable.

This reinforces the systematic issue of adultification and misogynoir of Black girls in schools, perpetuating harmful stereotypes of them. Adultification is the perception and treatment of Black girls as older, more mature, more strong, and less innocent than their white peers. This is exacerbated by the intersection of misogyny and anti-Blackness, which further intensifies the discrimination against Black girls.

As a result of the racial verbal and physical attacks, in which the police have found that the schoolgirl was injured, the devastating impact on the Black schoolgirl is both physical and emotional. Also, the fear of being attacked in the future can lead to deep seated psychological trauma and ongoing stress, including feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self esteem, which can have long term effects on her health.

We are demanding accountability and action from Thomas Knyvett College and The Howard Partnership Trust. 

1. Hold the Headteacher, Richard Beeson, accountable for his failure to intervene and protect the Black schoolgirl who was attacked just outside the school. 

2. Ensure that the school implements policies and practices to prevent future attacks and support students subjected to gendered and racial abuse.

3. The school to address the issue of adultification and misogynoir of Black girls, and work to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

4. The Howard Partnership Trust must investigate the incident and take appropriate action to address discrimination against Black girls in all of their schools.

5. Supporting the victim and her family through this traumatic experience and ensuring they receive the necessary support to heal and recover.