I do not want to diminish the gripping humour of Carborundum’s Diary (TES, June 28), but there is a very serious issue at stake, even if comic licence demanded that it had to be suppressed.
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers is organising a seminar for members on gay and lesbian employment issues to help eliminate discrimination, as part of its continuing work on equal opportunities.
That is quite different from calling upon teachers to “come out” in class. NASUWT advised members of the employment risks of doing so. Furthermore, NASUWT believes that schools should not be used for “political” campaigning on any issue, including sexuality. To use schools for such purposes would be unprofessional and unwise. If one group were granted that right, the floodgates would be open.
The fact that some are deeply and emotionally involved in an issue should not deflect others from reminding people that schools exist primarily for the pupils and students to learn.
They do not exist for groups of teachers to pursue their own campaigns.
NIGEL DE GRUCHY
General secretary
National Associati+on of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers
5 King Street
Covent Garden
London WC2
