Gay teacher wins apology and compensation for homophobia

Gay teacher wins apology and compensation for homophobia



A young gay teacher described as ‘Gay Dave’ and criticised for the way he walked by his head has won an award of £9,500 compensation and an unqualified apology from the governors of a school which formerly employed him after a landmark case for harassment under sexual orientation employment regulations. He was successfully defended in an employment tribunal by his union, the National Union of Teachers.

After a successful year at a special needs school in Winchester, David Watkins took up a new post in the Westminster borough. When he tried to promote equal opportunities within the school, and particularly spoke in favour of LGBT History Month, his head grew hostile. She accused him of ‘banging on’ and ‘drenching students’ in his sexuality and adopting a walk that aggravated older pupils; adding that he ‘didn’t walk like that when he came to interview.’ She also alleged that there was no homophobia within the school until he came along.

David, a successful teacher aware of his rights, pursued with the help of his union, a case that led to a successful admission of guilt and an unreserved public apology for the first time. This was the first case in UK law that saw a teacher taking his school to tribunal under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003.

The Head’s hostility was possibly timed with the publication of an article that David wrote about LGBT inclusive schools, which was published in the NUT’s Teacher magazine, and on the website of LGBT education campaigners Schools Out. David was an ‘out’ teacher, clear about his support for Schools Out and LGBT History Month,

Sue Sanders, Co Chair of Schools Out and LGBT History Month, said:

“We all know that there have been teachers harassed, driven out of their posts and the profession and even constructively dismissed by homophobic behaviour. There have been bigger compensation awards too. But these have been tied to gagging orders, where the victim was not able to talk about the case. These gagging clauses have the effect, in terms of visibility, that the discrimination never happened.”

David Watkins is an active member of the Schools Out committee. He was repeatedly offered an out of court settlement but decided to go to a full employment tribunal.

At the final hour, the school’s governing body accepted guilt and made an unreserved apology before the case went to full procedure. The school made it plain that they recognised the excellence of David’s teaching and regretted that he had left. They also recognised the abuse he received was offensive, unacceptable and objectively homophobic, and that they should have intervened sooner on his behalf.

Paul Patrick co chair of Schools Out and LGBT History Month said:



“Our schools currently suffer from endemic homophobia. The DCSF guidance on homophobic bullying makes clear the importance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) role models. Schools that care about the welfare of all their pupils should be creating the sort of environment that supports LGBT teachers so they can be honest and open about who they. This has been a great decision for all who care about community cohesion, equality of opportunity and the celebration of diversity."

Merlin Primary School in Lewisham

The Union has just notified Lewisham Council of a one-day strike on Wednesday March 12th to begin discontinuous action at Merlin Primary School in Lewisham over a threat to cut their pay.

This is not just the pay 'cut' we have been balloting about nationally - i.e compared to inflation - this is an actual pay cut for eleven teachers who are facing the withdrawal of the additional Retention payments (of £1002 or £1971) that were won for teachers in a number of Inner London boroughs several years ago.

The mood of the staff is very determined - there is no way that they can afford a cut in their salaries.

Messages of support would be appreciated - sent to the NUT rep, Kay O'Dea at kay_odea@tiscali.co.uk

Teachers and Parents oppose academies.

Derek McMillan writes:

Teachers and Parents oppose academies.

150 parents and teachers concerned about the threat to turn Littlehampton, Boundstone and King’s Manor into academies attended a meeting organised by the WSTA on Thursday 7th February..

The local authority's spokesman Robert Back was listened to in polite silence. He argued that although Academies had been corrupt and inefficient in the past they would be very different now. He also argued that the academy was “the only game in town.” The private sponsors Woodard Corporation declined to send anyone to speak to us.


Alistair Smith and Hank Roberts spoke on behalf of the NUT and got a very positive reception.

Alistair pointed out the dangers of Academies where historically the Local Authority has lost all say in the running of the school with the LA having one governor and the sponsors having the lion’s share.

He also stressed the social divisiveness of Academies. “Academies,” according to Lord Adonis, “are the 21st Century’s Grammar Schools.”

Hank Roberts pointed out that sponsors generously donating two million pounds can get upwards of 18 million pounds of public money for their trouble and frequently excessive profits are made through “consultancy fees” and the provision of equipment for the school. “They are not sponsors but spongers.”

Private businesses are colonising the state funded education system.

Everyone who spoke from the floor was opposed to privatisation and not taken in by any of the promises.

They rejected the arrogant assertion that "there is no alternative". This is not a spirit in which to conduct a consultation. It is undemocratic...and anyway it is something Margaret Thatcher used to say a lot.

There was also discussion about the spread of religious schools without any popular demand. Hank warned of the proliferation of separate schools for children whose parents have different religious views and the potential divisiveness this will bring about.

After an hour and half’s lively discussion people left the hall clearly disturbed by what they’d heard and still deep in discussion about the issues raised .

There is growing opposition to the privatisation of education in Sussex and the NUT can reach out to parents and the community at large to mount a fighting campaign to defeat the Woodard Corporation, defeat academies and fight for a decent education for all our children.

NAME: No Academy in Midhurst or Easebourne online vote

Simon Boxley writes:

NAME (No Academy in Midhurst or Easebourne) invites you to take part in
their online vote on an Academy for the Rother Valley. Ahead of the
consultation, Cllr Mark Dunn, West Sussex cabinet member for education
has said that the Academy 'option' is 'the only show in town'. Deals
have been made and plans drawn up - the 'consultation' will be a sham.
However, this doesn't mean we shouldn't participate, and let County know
what we think of their undemocratic shenanigans. You can start by taking
a moment to vote in NAME's online poll - are West Sussex County Council
conducting a 'true' consultation.... What do you think?

Fighting Academies in Midhurst and Easebourne

Following West Sussex County Council’s disclosure of its plan to close three schools and open an Academy in Midhurst or Easebourne, some concerned members of the community – teachers and parents who recognize that an Academy is not the best solution for the Rother Valley – have formed a campaign group. NAME (No Academy in Midhurst or Easebourne) is gaining momentum daily and welcomes new members. It will engage in public meetings and produce literature, and it has established a website where the public can contribute their thoughts in a way that doesn’t have to fit into the standard ‘consultation’ boxes: http://namecampaign.blogspot.com/ .

NAME Spokesperson, Chris Boxley commented this week:

“In their briefing to the Press, West Sussex County Council claim that the idea of an Academy for Midhust ‘emerged’ during December. Strange, then that the minutes of the council’s cabinet show that they discussed the matter in May!

WSCC Cabinet member Councillor Dunn also claimed that an Academy is ‘the only show in town’. It’s true! An Academy is the only option to replace Midhurst Grammar, Herbert Shiner and the Intermediate if we demand closure of these schools now and their replacement in the next three years. This is not what the community wants. Before December, nobody was clamouring to shut these three schools immediately, despite some increasingly outdated accommodation.

If, on the other hand, we hold out for public funding to be made available (either through Building Schools for the Future, or other targeted capital funding as it comes on stream), or for County to raise the revenue, we can get the school we want, where we want it, using the detailed plans seen by governors at MGS, creating a better school around Whip Hill, Lambert’s Lane and including the existing brand new sports centre. We say, why throw away a 336 year historical legacy for a slightly longer wait?”

Academies are bad for communities, bad for school staff and bad for parents and children. Why?

1) Bad for communities because, despite what County say about representation, the rules for Academy governance are clear – even when the local authority is a co-sponsor, the private sponsor must have an absolute majority of governors to maintain control of the school: this is undemocratic and unrepresentative;
2) Bad for school staff because only existing staff will be protected by TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)) – new staff may be employed at a lower rate, eventually forcing downward pressure on wages and conditions for all workers in the Academy;
3) Bad for parents and children because there is growing evidence that established Academies carry out methods of ‘back-door selection’ – in the end, the school chooses its parents and children, not the other way around.

The real choice is not the one offered in the consultation – Academy or nothing! It is
either buy into a privatized Academy now; or
buy time for the community to debate its priorities and get the publicly funded, publicly run, publicly accountable school it deserves.

You can visit their blog:
click here

Making us pay for their mistakes ?

Linda Taaffe writes:

What reward do teachers get for working so hard to get children up to the targets set by government? Look at your pay slip and compare it with the long hours you work each month. Many teachers will find they earn as little as £10 an hour - before tax!

We all know the cost of housing. It takes a huge bite out of our pay, whether we are struggling with a mortgage or trying to get on to the ladder. Young teachers also suffer from huge student debts.

Tax takes another huge chunk of our salaries. But not everyone has to worry! Look at the scandal of the ‘non-domiciled’ residents who virtually pay no tax at all. One rich London businessman even sympathised that he paid less tax than his cleaner!

Like other workers, we are watching the news about stock market volatility and wondering how it is going to affect us. We wonder what the future holds for our own children and the pupils we teach. Things are beginning to look decidedly uncertain.

The only certainty is that Gordon Brown and his government will continue to carry out policies that are in favour of big business. These ‘masters of the universe’ have reaped the dividends when the going was good. Now that the market looks shaky they want to make workers pay for their thieving stewardship of the world’s resources. And they expect New Labour to do their bidding. Hence Gordon Brown’s demand to hold down public sector pay - dressed up, of course, in the language of prudence and common sense.

We say no way. We cannot afford to just accept this pay insult. We have to fight back. We cannot afford not to. Teachers need a clear strategy to win. A key part of that is to bring together public sector trade unions and take united joint action to win decent pay for all.

In this pay battle, as in other local campaigns such as those to stop school closures and academies, teachers find ourselves up against New Labour and the other two parties of big business. The NUT has won its ‘political fund’ to allow us to speak out at election time - but who can we rely on to stand up for teachers in local or national elections? We have to start thinking about a campaign to create a trade-union backed alternative that stands for the millions - not the millionaires. The combined strength of united union action and a real challenge at the ballot box can help us turn the tide at last.

Classroom Teacher 2 out now Click here to download

Who's being greedy?

Dylan Murphy writes

Who’s being greedy?

If you hear it said that the government can’t afford to pay us more than 2.45%, bear the following facts in mind:

The super-rich in Britain avoid paying tax to the tune of £13 billion a year.

The government has lent over £25 billion to a reckless private bank and is guaranteeing all its liabilities to the tune of £60 billion.

Over a £100 million is spent a month on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you hear it said that teachers should settle for 2.45% when others such as the police got only 1.9%, remember:

The NUT backing down won’t help the police or nurses - just Gordon Brown.

A strong NUT ballot will encourage other trade unions to take action too.

United trade union action can make the government back down - just as they had to retreat over pensions.

Vote yes to strike action in defence of your living standards!

Dylan Murphy, NUT rep., Honley High School, Kirklees NUT.

Classroom Teacher 2 out now Click here to download

Let’s win the ballot

Classroom Teacher 2 out now Click here to download
Faith McGrath writes:

Let’s win the ballot

Most teachers have never taken part in a ballot for strike action so be ready to answer any queries:

How do I get my ballot paper?

Ballot papers will be sent to home addresses. Make sure the NUT has the right details for all your staff.

How can I help win the ballot?

Make sure all your colleagues know about the vote. Call a school meeting to discuss it. Call or visit other nearby schools as well. Some Local NUT Associations, like mine, have set up campaign committees - help build one in your area too.

Can my school stop me striking?

No! You will be protected by our official action ballot. If the NUT gives the go-ahead, thousands of teachers will take united action. We can all join together on the day, with local rallies and meetings too.

Can I afford to take strike action?

Can you afford not to?! You will lose a day’s pay - about £60 - but you will lose thousands if these pay cuts are imposed. With all the hoops we have to jump through, you can’t even rely on going up the pay spine to earn more. We have to rely on union action instead!

Will one-day action be enough?

From a solid first day’s strike, we must build the united public sector action that can make ministers think again. So vote YES for action!

Faith McGrath, NUT rep., Adamsrill Primary School, Lewisham NUT.

VOTE YES TO STRIKE BACK AGAINST PAY ROBBERY

Classroom Teacher 2 out now Click here to download

The NUT’s national strike ballot gives teachers across England and Wales the chance to stand firm together, to make clear that we’re not going to sit back and see our salaries cut, our workload get ever harder, our schools further divided by tables, targets & privatisation.

It’s been over twenty years since teachers took national action - two decades when conditions for staff, and our students, have been ground down by successive governments. It’s time to say that enough is enough!

Don’t let any colleague be fooled by Gordon Brown’s claims that our pay is keeping up with inflation. We’ve already had three years when our pay awards have fallen behind the Retail Price Index. No wonder many teachers are already beginning to feel the pinch. If you aren’t - then you soon will be if Gordon gets his way!

Unless we act, teachers face three more years of real pay cuts. Bills will continue to rise - but teachers’ pay won’t keep step. Year-on-year, the loss in purchasing power will add up to over £8,000 for a M6 teacher, and around £10,000 for a colleague on UPS3. Nobody would sit back quietly and allow themselves to be robbed of thousands of pounds - so why should we!

The best way that trade unionists can make sure their complaints are noticed is to take national strike action. So urge all the NUT members you know to vote for it! Let’s make this the moment when we start to turn the tide, when we lift our heads from the daily grind and grumbles, and vote to take united national action!

Martin Powell-Davies, Lewisham NUT.