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BNP teacher could be struck off | BNP teacher could be struck off |
(about 8 hours later) | |
A teacher who posted comments on a right-wing website during a lesson could be struck off. | A teacher who posted comments on a right-wing website during a lesson could be struck off. |
BNP member Adam Walker, 39, left his post at Houghton Kepier College, near Sunderland, last year after admitting contributing to the forum in work time. | BNP member Adam Walker, 39, left his post at Houghton Kepier College, near Sunderland, last year after admitting contributing to the forum in work time. |
He made critical comments about Islam, asylum seekers and immigrants. | He made critical comments about Islam, asylum seekers and immigrants. |
It has now emerged he will face a General Teaching Council hearing and could become the first teacher banned for religious intolerance. | It has now emerged he will face a General Teaching Council hearing and could become the first teacher banned for religious intolerance. |
The technology teacher's case is being fought by the trade union Solidarity, which is closely linked to the BNP and of which he is president. | The technology teacher's case is being fought by the trade union Solidarity, which is closely linked to the BNP and of which he is president. |
'Freedom of expression' | 'Freedom of expression' |
Solidarity general secretary Patrick Harrington said Mr Walker had admitted he was wrong to use his laptop to contribute to the forum during work time. | Solidarity general secretary Patrick Harrington said Mr Walker had admitted he was wrong to use his laptop to contribute to the forum during work time. |
He said: "That was a contractual matter between him and his employer and when he resigned, that should have been the end of the matter. | He said: "That was a contractual matter between him and his employer and when he resigned, that should have been the end of the matter. |
"We feel this raises human rights issues. He has a right, like every other citizen, to freedom of expression and association. | "We feel this raises human rights issues. He has a right, like every other citizen, to freedom of expression and association. |
"He criticised Islam in his posting, but people criticise religions all the time." | "He criticised Islam in his posting, but people criticise religions all the time." |
Mr Harrington said the union would take the case to the High Court if they lose the GTC hearing, which will be held in due course. | |
Mr Walker's brother Mark, also a BNP member and technology teacher, was suspended by Sunnydale College in Shildon, County Durham, in March last year. | Mr Walker's brother Mark, also a BNP member and technology teacher, was suspended by Sunnydale College in Shildon, County Durham, in March last year. |
His supporters claim he was suspended for looking at the BNP website on a school computer. | His supporters claim he was suspended for looking at the BNP website on a school computer. |
The school denies it has acted because of his political affiliation. | The school denies it has acted because of his political affiliation. |
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