An LGBTQ poster offends a religious student. They want it removed from the school corridor. What do you do?

I met a headteacher last week who told me that a student at his school had asked for a poster that promoted the rights of LGBTQ students to be removed from a corridor, arguing that the poster was offensive to his religious and cultural beliefs and sensibilities.

I don’t know exactly what the poster said or depicted, but it would be interesting to weigh up the issues involved.

First of all, I defend the right of all people to express their chosen identity, including a sexual or gendered identity, as long as nobody is breaking the law or going against school rules and expectations – such as school uniform or behaviour policies.

The other thing I would assert is that nobody has the right to live their lives without encountering offensive remarks or material. Life is simply not like that, especially in a democratic, liberal society where we value free speech within the limits of not abusing, threatening or inciting violence.

On the other hand, I think a fundamental British value is tolerance for other people’s faiths and beliefs. I think tolerance is a virtue. Causing gratuitous offence for the sake of it is not a tolerant behaviour.

As I said, I don’t know what the poster said or depicted but, while I am tolerant of people expressing their sexual and gendered identity – I also defend the Supreme Court’s factual definition of biological sex.

Another fundamental British value is mutual respect. That’s not respect for beliefs or ideas or even religions – it’s respect for people. We don’t have to respect ideas, but we should try to tolerate them, within the bounds of civilised life.

Tricky isn’t it?

I asked the head did he take the poster down. He said no. I agree with him.

He was defending tolerance and mutual respect at the point at which they came under threat. Bravo to him.

Alan Newland delivers practical sessions for trainees and teachers on how to teach fundamental British values. If you are struggling with challenging issues in school. Contact him at info@newteacherstalk.com

His book: “Becoming a Teacher – the legal, ethical and moral implications of entering society’s most fundamental profession” is published by Crown House and available with a 20% discount with the code “becoming20”