No stonewalling

12th July 1996, 1:00am

Share

No stonewalling

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/no-stonewalling
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

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared