I AM concerned about the plight of many teachers who have problems getting time off to celebrate their religious festivals.
In spite of an education system which purports to be against all forms of racial discrimination, whether teachers are granted leave to observe non-Christian festivals appears to depend entirely upon the whims of their own particular local education authority.
To refuse leave for non-Christian religious festivals could be construed as a form of institutional racism: a situation which, in my view, demands immediate attention and reform.
Alan Millard, 8 Medina Court, Marine Parade West, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire
