Chinese choir members refused US visas

The head teacher of a Staffordshire private school has accused American embassy officials of "discrimination" after Chinese members of the school choir were refused visas to take part in a US tour.

The five teenage singers from the School of St Mary and St Anne in Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire, failed to persuade officials that they intended to return home after their forthcoming tour of California.

The decision has led to accusations by the school that the embassy in London discriminated against the students, aged 16 and 17, because they are Chinese.

But the embassy said the girls from the £15,000-a-year school had been treated the same as any other applicant.

Protest letter

The girls all have exams to sit later this year - they have no plan to stay in the United States. Colin Walker, choir director

It is understood some Chinese students taking part in next month's tour - who made their applications from their home country - did receive visas.

Head teacher Mary Steel has written to the US ambassador in London, William Farish, in protest at the decision.

"The sad comment made by the girls was 'It's just because we are Chinese'," Mrs Steel wrote.

"I am sure that you do not wish the United States to gain a reputation for wholesale discrimination in this way."

Colour blind

Choir director Colin Walker, who will accompany the singers, said the five unsuccessful applicants had tried to apply for visas when at home during their holidays, but had been told there was not enough time and they should apply in Britain.

"I wrote covering letters explaining that the trip was fully paid for, that it was part of the school curriculum and that the girls would be supervised at all times," Mr Walker said.

"The girls all have exams to sit later this year - they have no plan to stay in the United States."

Embassy spokesman Lee McClenny said he could not discuss individual cases, but said their laws were "colour blind."

"Nothing special or different has been done in any of their cases."