Teachers at Penrith’s Queen Elizabeth Grammar School claim teenage male pupils are using a hand signal to show support Andrew Tate, the self-proclaimed misogynist and controversial social media influencer.
Tate, 36, accused of spreading toxic masculinity with abhorrent views about rape and women, is currently remanded in custody in Romania where he and his brother have been accused of charges involving organised crime, human traffic and rape.
In a communication to QEGS parents from deputy headteacher Rob Dawson, the school circulated a photograph of the alleged hand gesture being used and has warned that Tate is associated with making deeply misogynistic, sexist, homophobic, and violent online posts.
The alert revealed that teachers had become concerned that some students are choosing to make a hand gesture when talking to staff and have called on parents to challenge any form of hate speech at home.
Mr Dawson said: “This has been used by Tate and other individuals on the internet to show support for the views he holds. All staff at QEGS are aware of this hand signal, and we will challenge those who use it. We will also inform parents that this has occurred.
“All students receive relationships and sex education as part of our planned curriculum which addresses issues such as misogyny and gender stereotypes. We also promote diversity, inclusivity, mutual respect and tolerance through themes presented in our PSHE, assembly and tutor programme.”
“At a time when so many people think it acceptable to use social media for spreading provocative and inflammatory untruths, it is more important than ever that home and school work in partnership to challenge this and other forms of hate speech.”
Others have claimed the hand gesture linked to Tate is simply a Buddhist gesture.
