The new motto for two private schools that have dropped their “links” to the slave trade has been revealed.
Haberdashers Aske's Boys' and Girls’ Schools in Elstree has confirmed that the ‘Aske’ name will be dropped after the schools’ governing body learnt its benefactor, Robert Aske, was a shareholder in the Royal African Company.
Alongside with the renaming of the schools, their motto “Serve and Obey” has also been dropped over fears it could be interpreted in the context of slavery.
The new motto will instead be replaced with “Together, boundless”.
However the actual “Serve and Obey” motto was not meant to resemble its slavery links, instead it was inspired by Christina values to “serve the Lord and obey his will”.
A review of the future of ‘Aske’ took place earlier this year to reassess historical slave trade links.
While the school concluded it will drop Aske in their titles, the school will still be known “collectively as the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Schools,” a spokesperson has said.
A spokesperson for the schools said: “Like many organisations across the country, we recently reviewed our historical legacy and the use of the benefactor’s name as part of a wider review of our culture, values and ideals.”
Previously before the name was officially dropped, chairman of the governing body, Simon Cartmell, said: "As the founding benefactor, Robert Aske is a man whose legacy has been central to the schools.
"We cannot change the past, but equally we cannot ignore it. We can however learn from our history and use it to shape who we are today and what we will become tomorrow."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel