Controversial subjects avoided in British schools

A report commissioned by Lord Adonis, a junior minister in Britain's Department for Education and Skills, shows that some British schools avoid teaching historical subjects such as the Holocaust and the Crusades, for fear of generating adverse reactions among Muslim students. The British government is now planning to draw up guidelines to tackle the issue (BBC).

I think it's a shame when the fear of controversy prevents a frank discussion. If British school authorities fear that Muslim students would be offended to hear about topics such as the Holocaust, that is all the more reason to discuss these topics. If you are incapable of maintaining your calm in the face of historical evidence, chances are you are not very likely to be a productive citizen. And I thought that the major task of a school is to produce citizens who are well informed and productive.