Year 12 Law pupils recently learned about the significance of Stephen Lawrence Day, which is held annually on the 22 April, the anniversary of Stephen's death. The day was established by Prime Minister Theresa May, who wanted a national day of remembrance to honour Stephen's memory and to promote greater equality and inclusion in British society. 

Stephen Lawrence was a young black man, aged just 18, who was brutally murdered in a racist attack in London in 1993. Stephen was a promising student with ambitions to become an architect. Despite a lengthy police investigation, it took nearly 20 years for two of Lawrence's killers to be convicted.

The Stephen Lawrence case became a major symbol of the challenges of institutional racism. The 1999 Macpherson Report, led by Sir William Macpherson, found that the investigation was not handled well, there was a collective failure to provide an appropriate and professional service. The report recommended better training on racism and diversity. 

In their reflection, Year 12 students linked the story of Stephen Lawrence to our Fundamental British Values and Etone Values. They saw strong links to the importance of the Rule of Law, as well as the importance of Mutual Tolerance and Respect. There were also links established to the Etone Values of Caring and Integrity.