UK Charity Commission Clears City of Sanctuary UK of Complaint Over Schools Program

The Charity Commission has cleared City of Sanctuary UK following a complaint related to its schools program. The complaint alleged that the charity encouraged pupils to send Valentine's Day cards to asylum seekers. The commission's findings, published on Tuesday, stated that the allegations were misleading and false.

City of Sanctuary UK faced online criticism in 2023 over its migrant welcome project in schools. Rumors spread that children were forced to write heart-shaped welcome cards to adult migrants, including cards addressed to 'my fiancé'. Conservative MP Sir Gavin Williamson filed a formal complaint in August 2023, claiming the charity acted inappropriately and breached laws by operating in a highly politicized manner.

The Charity Commission examined the evidence and rejected Williamson's complaint.

It determined that City of Sanctuary UK was targeted by a misinformation campaign, leading to threats against its staff and trustees. The commission found the schools of sanctuary program to be within the charity's purposes and in compliance with guidance on campaigning and political activity. Helen Earner, director of regulatory services at the Charity Commission, commented on the case.

She noted that concerns about the charity's work were fueled by online misinformation, which charities face increasingly.

“After examining the available evidence, we found the claims to be misleading, and that the schools of sanctuary programme is within the charity’s purposes and complies with our guidance on campaigning and political activity.”

Charity's Program City of Sanctuary UK provides educational materials to schools to support welcoming refugee and asylum seeker children. The materials aim to promote compassion, tolerance, and understanding of migrant experiences among pupils. One activity involves children creating anonymized cards with messages such as 'welcome to our town' or 'we hope you feel safe here' to show support.