26/09/2026
FULL PRESS RELEASE
NEU Northern Condemns Sunderland Council Decision to Withdraw Funding from Show Racism the Red Card
The National Education Union (NEU) Northern Region strongly condemns Sunderland City Council's decision to withdraw funding from Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC), a nationally respected anti-racism education charity founded in the North East which has spent three decades helping young people challenge prejudice, discrimination and hate.
This decision is deeply disappointing and sends entirely the wrong message at a time when schools, communities and public bodies should be strengthening their commitment to equality, inclusion and anti-racist education.
The NEU believes that anti-racism education has never been more important. In an increasingly divided world, where misinformation, online abuse and racist narratives can spread rapidly, schools play a vital role in helping young people develop the knowledge, confidence and critical thinking skills needed to challenge prejudice and build more inclusive communities. The union's Anti-racism charter sets out a whole-school framework for tackling racism, promoting racial literacy and creating environments where every child and member of staff feels safe, valued and able to thrive.
For thirty years, Show Racism the Red Card has been at the forefront of this work, reaching more than 1.5 million young people through educational programmes designed to challenge stereotypes, tackle discrimination and promote understanding. The charity's impact has been felt not only across the North East but nationally and internationally.
The NEU has proudly supported SRtRC for many years and remains steadfast in that commitment. Recent educational events delivered in partnership with schools and community organisations have provided invaluable opportunities for young people to explore issues such as racism, prejudice, online misinformation and digital safety in engaging and meaningful ways.
Beth Farhat NEU Northern Regional Secretary, said:
"We are extremely disappointed by Sunderland Council's decision to withdraw funding from Show Racism the Red Card. This organisation has an outstanding track record of educating young people, challenging racism and promoting community cohesion.
At a time when racist incidents, hate crime and divisive rhetoric continue to present challenges in our society, reducing support for anti-racism education is the wrong decision.
Show Racism the Red Card was founded here in the North East and has become one of the region's most successful educational charities. Its work changes lives, challenges prejudice and helps create safer, more inclusive communities for everyone.
The NEU remains fully committed to anti-racist education and will continue to stand alongside Show Racism the Red Card, schools, educators and communities in promoting equality and tackling racism wherever it occurs."
The union is also reaffirming its support for Wear Red Day 2026, which will take place on Friday 16 October 2026. Organised by Show Racism the Red Card, the campaign has grown from 7,000 participants in 2014 to more than 710,000 participants in 2024 and aims to bring together one million people in 2026 to demonstrate their commitment to anti-racism. The campaign's message is simple: "Change Hearts. Change Minds. Change Lives."
The NEU Northern Region will continue to encourage schools, colleges, workplaces and communities across the North East to participate in Wear Red Day and to show their solidarity with those challenging racism and discrimination.
Anti-racist education is not optional. It is essential. Decisions that undermine organisations delivering this important work risk damaging progress that has been built over decades. The NEU calls on Sunderland Council to reconsider its position and to recognise the invaluable contribution that Show Racism the Red Card makes to young people, schools and communities across the region.
Show Racism the Red Card
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