Commenting on the passing of Motion 20 at NEU Annual Conference in Brighton, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The NEU has reaffirmed a clear commitment to challenge all forms of racism, fascism and far right extremism.
"Living standards have continued to decline, after years of austerity and the insecurity of voters is being exploited by far-right groups seeking to divide communities. Far right groups push a divisive narrative that refugees are to blame for the challenges facing working class communities, rather than acknowledging the social inequality in our communities. Instead of offering real policy alternatives, far right groups stoke division and undermine social cohesion. Our focus should be the lack of equal access to opportunities and the lack of secure jobs with decent pay.
“Young people are affected by racism and prejudice. It is important that there is opportunity during the school week to build positive attitudes and to ensure children and young people can develop the ability to think critically and independently.
"In response, the Together Alliance has united more than 500 civil society organisations to reject the politics of hate. Through coordinated organising and mobilisation, the Alliance is working to push back against growing voices of division and champion a message of hope, solidarity and unity. On 28 March, half a million people joined the Together demonstration in London, a display of collective strength and a powerful reminder that communities across the country are standing up against extremism.
"The NEU will continue to resist the rise of the far right and work in solidarity across the trade union movement and beyond to oppose all forms of racism, fascism and extremism."