This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/6976135.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Demo over BNP teacher suspension Demo over BNP teacher suspension
(about 20 hours later)
Up to 50 people have protested outside a County Durham school in support of a teacher who claims to have been suspended for his right-wing views.Up to 50 people have protested outside a County Durham school in support of a teacher who claims to have been suspended for his right-wing views.
Mark Walker, a former British National Party (BNP) election candidate, has been under investigation at Sunnydale Community College since March.Mark Walker, a former British National Party (BNP) election candidate, has been under investigation at Sunnydale Community College since March.
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.
A picket formed at the secondary school on Monday morning as teachers and some students returned for the new term.A picket formed at the secondary school on Monday morning as teachers and some students returned for the new term.
Mr Walker has not been suspended because of any political affiliations he may hold Head teacher Sue ByrneMr Walker has not been suspended because of any political affiliations he may hold Head teacher Sue Byrne
Protestors, including some parents and pupils, chanted slogans in support of the technology teacher.Protestors, including some parents and pupils, chanted slogans in support of the technology teacher.
Members of independent trade union Solidarity and campaign group Civil Liberty showed their backing for Mr Walker at the demonstration.
Pat Harrington, General Secretary of Solidarity, claimed the teacher had been questioned about his BNP candidacy by education officials.
He said: "We feel that Mark Walker is being victimised because of his political views."
'Wholly false'
BNP spokesman Dr Phil Edwards said: "The reason he's had this action against him was because he allegedly looked at the BNP website on the school's computer.BNP spokesman Dr Phil Edwards said: "The reason he's had this action against him was because he allegedly looked at the BNP website on the school's computer.
"It is disgraceful that anyone should be suspended for looking at the website of a perfectly legal political party."It is disgraceful that anyone should be suspended for looking at the website of a perfectly legal political party.
"We are certain this action would not have been taken against someone who had looked at the websites of the Commission for Racial Equality or the Green Party.""We are certain this action would not have been taken against someone who had looked at the websites of the Commission for Racial Equality or the Green Party."
Sue Byrne, the school's head teacher, said the claims of political persecution were untrue.Sue Byrne, the school's head teacher, said the claims of political persecution were untrue.
"We are happy to state categorically that Mr Walker has not been suspended because of any political affiliations he may hold. Any suggestion that this is the case is wholly false."We are happy to state categorically that Mr Walker has not been suspended because of any political affiliations he may hold. Any suggestion that this is the case is wholly false.
"Beyond that we cannot comment because of our respect for Mr Walker's rights to confidentiality with regard to the terms of his employment.""Beyond that we cannot comment because of our respect for Mr Walker's rights to confidentiality with regard to the terms of his employment."
Mr Walker received 513 votes when he stood as a candidate in the Spennymoor ward for Sedgefield Borough Council in May.Mr Walker received 513 votes when he stood as a candidate in the Spennymoor ward for Sedgefield Borough Council in May.