Charity Exonerated After Misinformation Campaign Over School Program

City of Sanctuary UK, a charity focused on supporting refugees and asylum seekers, has been cleared of wrongdoing following a regulatory investigation into allegations that it encouraged schoolchildren to send Valentine’s Day cards to adult migrants. The charity faced significant backlash after social media claims suggested that children were being “forced” to create heart-shaped cards addressed to adult asylum seekers, including messages like “my fiancé.”

The Guardian

The Charity Commission conducted a review in response to a formal complaint made by Conservative MP Gavin Williamson, who accused City of Sanctuary of acting inappropriately and breaching laws regarding political campaigning. The commission's findings, published recently, determined that the allegations were misleading and that the charity had been the target of a baseless misinformation campaign. Helen Earner, the director of regulatory services at the Charity Commission, stated that the charity's activities fell within its purposes and complied with regulations on campaigning and political activity.

The Guardian

City of Sanctuary UK provides educational materials to schools aimed at fostering compassion and understanding towards refugee and asylum-seeking children. The charity's initiative included activities where students created anonymized cards expressing support and solidarity, with messages such as “welcome to our town” and “we hope you feel safe here.” However, these activities were misrepresented online, with accusations that they involved Valentine’s messages, which played into right-wing narratives about male asylum seekers.

The Guardian

The misinformation campaign had tangible effects on City of Sanctuary UK, leading to threats against its staff and trustees. A spokesperson for the charity expressed gratitude for the commission's recognition of the impact the campaign had on their operations and the schools involved. They noted that their experience was not unique, as other organizations in the sector have faced similar challenges due to misinformation.

The Guardian

Williamson's complaint is part of a broader trend where Conservative MPs have targeted various charities, alleging breaches of political campaigning laws and accusing them of pursuing "woke" ideologies. Previous investigations by the Charity Commission into similar complaints against organizations like the National Trust and Barnardo’s have consistently exonerated these charities, highlighting a pattern of politically motivated attacks.

The Guardian

• “Helen Earner, the director of regulatory services at the Charity Commission, said: “In this case, concerns about the charity’s work were fuelled by online misinformation, something charities are increasingly subject to and a concern for us as regulator.” — Helen Earner, Director of Regulatory Services, Charity Commission

The Guardian

• “A spokesperson for City of Sanctuary UK said: “The misinformation campaign we were subject to had a real impact on our team and the schools we work with, and we are grateful that the commission recognised this as part of its review.” — Spokesperson, City of Sanctuary UK

The Guardian

The Charity Commission's ruling underscores the challenges charities face in the current political climate, where misinformation can lead to significant reputational harm and operational disruptions. City of Sanctuary UK remains committed to its mission of supporting refugees and fostering understanding within schools, despite the challenges posed by misinformation campaigns.

The Guardian