As reported by BBC News, a teacher’s dismissal sparks controversy as he challenges college policies on preferred pronouns, citing concerns over compelled speech and academic integrity
Kevin Lister, 60, from Wiltshire, was dismissed for gross misconduct in September 2022 by New College Swindon.
He has taken the college to a tribunal, claiming unfair dismissal and discrimination on grounds of belief.
Mr Lister did not refer to a biologically female student, aged 17, by their preferred male name and he/him pronouns, the tribunal was told.
The hearing, at Bristol Civil Justice Centre, heard how the teenager, referred to as Student A, had informed the college in September 2021 that they wished to be referred to by a different name, and with male pronouns.
When Student A informed Mr Lister via email of their wish to be referred to by male pronouns, he immediately raised a safeguarding concern with the college.
He claimed he was concerned about their academic performance and whether the two subjects were linked.
Giving evidence, Mr Lister suggested the decision of Student A to use male pronouns had the effect of “compelled speech”, meaning he and fellow students had to follow their wish, irrespective of their own beliefs.
Mr Lister added: “I took issue with the demand on me to socially transition children who are unable to make an informed decision.
“Why are we not allowed to question why a student is presenting in the opposite sex?
“It is not the role of a maths teacher to confirm the gender transition and social transition of a student.”
Mr Lister is claiming unfair dismissal, discrimination or victimisation on grounds of religion or belief, and that he suffered a detriment and/or dismissal due to exercising rights under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
He said that as a teacher, he had an “obligation to teach facts”, and said college policies went well beyond the Equality Act, claiming they were “illegal” as a result.
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