Anti-racist campaigners gathered outside the headquarters of the General Teaching Council for England this week to protest against a teacher who is a member of the far-right British National Party.
Adam Walker, who could become the first teacher to be struck off for religious intolerance, appeared in front of a disciplinary hearing at the council on Tuesday.
Mr Walker, 39, who resigned last year from Houghton Kepier Sports College in Houghton le Spring, near Sunderland, has been charged with unacceptable professional conduct for using a school laptop to post racist and anti-Muslim comments. The design technology teacher has previously admitted posting criticisms of immigrants and Muslims, but claims he has been victimised because of his views.
His case was adjourned this week after his representative argued that his client was facing an unfair hearing. The GTC dismissed this but has allowed him time to request a judicial review of its decision.
At an appearance in November, Mr Walker succeeded in having Judy Moorhouse, the chair of the GTC, removed from his case as she had previously spoken out against the BNP. Mr Walker claimed she would be biased against him.
On that occasion, BNP leader Nick Griffin also protested outside the GTC building to support Mr Walker’s fight to remain a teacher.
The GTC will resume its case against Mr Walker in April unless the judicial review is lodged.
Mr Walker’s brother, Mark, was sacked last year from his teaching job at Sunnydale Community College in Durham. The school’s chair of governors said he was dismissed for a poor sickness record, but Mark Walker said BNP members were being targeted for their views.