A teacher accused of calling a pupil a “Chinky” has been banned from the classroom for six months after he was found guilty of racial stereotyping.
Adeniyi Kolade also told a Year 7 class that black people did not get the right education and that “bad people come from bad families”, the General Teaching for England said.
Although Mr Kolade denied using the word “Chinky”, he admitted calling a pupil “ching” because of his ethnic background. This upset the pupil, who regarded it as racist, the professional conduct committee found.
The teacher, who is black and described himself as being of African origin, also called a pupil “blind” because he could not find a book, and on the same day said that “dumb people” end up sweeping the roads, the committee said.
Mr Kolade was working as a supply teacher at Highgate Wood School in Haringey, north London, at the time of the incidents on consecutive days in November 2006. He denied using the words attributed to him, but admitted using similar words on other occasions.
“In using such expressions, Mr Kolade demonstrated a lack of cultural sensitivity and a tendency towards racial stereotyping,” the committee’s judgment said.
“Mr Kolade addressed us on the basis of his cultural background and experience, but we are not satisfied that this justified his lack of awareness of cultural sensitivities to pupils in his care.”
In finding him guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, the committee said Mr Kolade had been demeaning to pupils in relation to their race or ethnicity.
“Mr Kolade’s behaviour could have seriously affected pupils and Mr Kolade has, throughout these proceedings, demonstrated a lack of insight into his shortcomings and the impact on pupils,” the ruling said. “No adequate expression of regret or apology has been provided.”
Mr Kolade will have to undergo diversity training to rectify his “demonstrable lack of cultural awareness”, the committee said.
Patrick Cozier, the school’s head, said he had not used Mr Kolade since the complaints came to light.
Mr Kolade told The TES he thought he had been unfairly treated and would be appealing.