http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19567752%5E663,00.html

Racism row hits school
Daily Mail
24jun06
THE end-of-term play traditionally provokes nothing more than proud applause and the occasional tear from an emotional parent.

But a production by Bristol's Ashley Down Infant School is proving far more controversial.
The school faces an investigation into accusations of racism after casting two black children as monkeys.

The boys are the only black children in the school's 60-strong Year 2.

Their parents have pulled them out of the play, the principal has apologised and the local equality watchdog has been called in to mediate.

Myles Rees told his parents he and his friend were turned down for the roles of hunters in the production about a mythical island inhabited by exotic animals.

Instead they were told they would play monkeys.

Myles's mother, Lorraine, 39, said: "I am outraged that a multicultural school that promotes equal opportunities would allow this.

"Everyone is aware of the racist connotations. It is just not acceptable and my son is very upset."

In a letter to principal Helen Heap, Mrs Rees and husband Andrew wrote: "The phrase 'black monkey' is used as a racist remark and we object strongly to our son being used in such a racist context."

The father of the other boy did not want to be named but said he believed racism ran deep.

The school, which has 180 pupils aged 4-7, a quarter from ethnic minorities, has apologised to Mr and Mrs Rees.

Ms Heap said: "The school takes the complaint very seriously. We have taken a series of urgent steps to investigate their allegations to establish the facts of the case."

How the hell else you gonna cast em?