A religious studies teacher at a Catholic school in London has been suspended and reported to the police after a string of social media posts that included Hamas had “committed no crime” “Glory to Hamas” “The destruction of the racist state of #Isarel [sic] is coming soon.” “Israel is not a true Jewish state, but an inversion and perversion of Judaism” and finally saying he prayed for God to grant victory over “the grotesque, barbaric, idol-worshipping invaders IDF.”
Let me make my position clear from the outset: I would not want a man who says such things teaching my children.
However, I believe that we should allow even foolish people to say foolish things. What we should not allow is the incitement of violence, threats or abuse.
As someone interested in the legal, ethical and moral dimensions of a teacher’s role and as a citizen trying to protect the right of free speech, I put the following tests:
1. Are this teacher’s words legal, ethical and moral?
2. Do they incite, threaten or abuse?
1.
Are his words legal?
On the face of it, no. His words support a proscribed terrorist organisation under the UK’s Terrorism Act (2000).
Are they ethical?
On the face of it, no. His words potentially contravene the code of practice for teachers in England (known as the Teachers’ Standards 2012) where teachers are required to “uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school” and by potentially undermining “tolerance of and respect for the rights of others” and “undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
Are his words moral?
That depends on what side of the argument you find yourself. As I said, I wouldn’t want him teaching my children.
2.
Do his words incite violence?
“Glory to Hamas” and praying to God to grant victory over “the grotesque, barbaric, idol-worshipping invaders IDF” seems to cover that one.
Do his words threaten others?
“The destruction of the racist state of #Isarel [sic] is coming soon” sounds like a threat to me. If you’re not sure, try listening to someone say: "The destruction of the racist state of the UK is coming soon..."
Do his words abuse others?
Not directly in my view, but the words “Israel is not a true Jewish state, but an inversion and perversion of Judaism” comes very close to the abuse of Jews and Israelis.
However passionately you may feel about the rights and wrongs of this conflict, try to be rational – especially if you are a teacher.
Alan Newland discusses a range of knotty and controversial issues relating to professional ethics and values in his book: “Becoming a Teacher – the legal, ethical and moral implications of entering society’s most fundamental profession” published by Crown House Publishing and available now Use the code ‘becoming20’ to get a 20% discount.
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