School that blocked Jewish MP’s visit sacks diversity lead after Hamas ‘heroes’ post

Akhtar was recently dismissed from the academy trust after the Times reported on her incendiary social media posts, the same newspaper has revealed.

On the day of the October 7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, Akhtar posted a quote on Facebook from Nelson Mandela: “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

The day after the Hamas-led atrocities claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis, and terrorists took some 250 people hostage, she said: “This is a war against the oppressors”.

Her Facebook post read: “This is an oppressed people standing up and fighting back. Just imagine if this was Ukraine attacking Russia? Heroes fighting for justice and their right to exist. Palestinians are no different. #FreePalestine.”

Akhtar also urged people to ignore “media attempts to paint Israel as a victim”.

Days after the massacre, she posted: “The real problem is the West and the mainstream media. They’re liable for ethnic cleansing and genocide because of their unprecedented support of Israel.”

On her LinkedIn profile, Akhtar described her work as “intersectional, trauma-informed, and unapologetically anti-racist, with a strong commitment to trans rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and global solidarity, including support for Palestinian human rights”.

She also wrote of her “lifelong mission” to “create inclusive, affirming environments where every individual – regardless of race, faith, gender identity, or background – can thrive”.

After being made aware of Akhtar’s remarks on social media, the CLF launched an investigation.

Akhtar confirmed to a journalist at The Times that she had lost her job but insisted she was not a “leader” in the academy trust.

“The ‘leaders’ or decision makers still have their jobs and don’t look like me, but anyway,” she said, adding “I hope you sleep well knowing your ‘journalism’ got someone sacked.”

Egan, who had been due to visit Bristol Brunel Academy. last September subsequently did make the trip, it is understood, with teachers and parents not told about the rescheduled arrangement ahead of time. His cancelled visit first came to public attention in January when communities secretary Steve Reed told an audience at a Jewish Labour Movement conference: “I have a colleague who is Jewish, who has been banned from visiting a school – refused permission to visit a school in his own constituency – in case his presence inflames the teachers. It’s an absolute outrage that that could have possibly ever happened.”

The Bristol National Educational Union (NEU) wrote online in September that the cancelled visit – which had been due to take place in September – was "a victory for education workers, parents and the community".

When asked about Akhtar’s dismissal, CLF said in a statement: “We will not comment on cases involving individual members of staff. Nevertheless, we are clear about our expectations on staff conduct.

“The promotion of inclusion and rejection of discrimination are enshrined in the CLF’s core values, and all of our staff are expected to embody these values in their behaviour – both inside and outside of school.”

Jon Reddiford, who represents Bristol as a member of the NEU's governing body, said staff had "no intention" of cancelling Egan’s original visit.

He previously told BBC News: “[Staff] wanted to show their opposition to a supporter of a genocidal regime coming to their school.

"They wanted to show there was a different perspective, that he needn't expect complete support for his views."

A recent Ofsted inspection of the Bristol school found “no evidence of bias” in the running of the school.

CLF has commissioned an independent review of the cancelled visit, with findings expected in the coming weeks.

The JC approached Akhtar for comment.