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Adam Walker: Teacher in Trouble Over Lesson Debate Online
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by Tina Kells | September 21, 2009 at 02:51 pm
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Adam Walker is the UK teacher in trouble over lesson debates in which he made racist comments to students. In 2007 Walker made derogatory comments about Muslims and the Islamic faith while communicating with students in online discussions. The online discussions were a part of the lesson plan and Walker's comments landed him in serious trouble.
Due to the racist nature of the comments he made during the online lessons Adam Walker's teaching certificate has been put under review. If his certificate is revoked her will be the first teacher to be banned from teaching due to the expression of religious intolerance during lessons.
The Adam Walker case has caused such controversy in the community that as the hearing date neared racial tensions erupted into rioting. Those riots caused the Superintedent Matt Ward to ask for a postponement of Walker's hearing.
Adam Walker is the president of Solidarity, a trade union closely associated with the British National Party. This is not the first time that his personal views have landed him in trouble, it is just the first time that he attempted to pass on his bigotry in a lesson. The incident in question occurred between February and March of 2007.
Mr Walker, who is president of Solidarity, a trade union closely associated with the BNP, has already been called before the GTC on two previous dates. Both were postponed on different grounds.
He left his post as a technology teacher at Houghton Kepier Sports College in Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland in 2007 following the allegations.
The alleged incident, in which he is said to have criticised Muslims, homosexuals and asylum-seekers, is said to have happened between February and March 2007.
He was first brought before the teaching watchdog in November 2008 but the hearing was adjourned after Patrick Harrington, representing Mr Walker, successfully argued that the presence of Judy Moorhouse, a former president of the National Union of Teachers and a “known opponent” of the BNP, could prejudice the hearing.
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Tina Kells
Vancouver, Canada
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (3)
at 02:03 on September 22nd, 2009
Feel like shouting sack him, but what exactly did he say. Bigots should not be teaching our kids that much is obvious.
- reply
Boudicca (not verified)at 12:03 on September 23rd, 2009
I am wondering where you get your facts from? Adam Walker resigned from his position as a teacher, he was facing disciplinary action because he was posting anonymously to an online forum. This incident had nothing to do with students at all. It is alleged he made the postings, while his students were working on class lessons, however they were never involved in the postings he allegedly made online and he has never brought his personal views into the classroom.This report is completely inaccurate. The hearing was postponed because of police fears that there would be community tensions, however this is not because of Adam's case, the recent tensions in Birminham were between the EDL (of which Adam Walker has no affiliation) and the Muslim community over the EDL's recent protests over Islamic extremists.While Solidarity represents members of the BNP, they also represent members of many enthicities and do not discriminate against anyone based on race, religion or sexuality. You should research your facts better before posting this type of irresponsible libel online.
- reply
Patrick Harrington (not verified)at 22:21 on September 23rd, 2009
Our Union is representing Adam Walker. We oppose all forms of discrimination whether on grounds of sexuality, race, gender, faith or politics. We stand for the rights of workers against the Bosses. Adam Walker has the right to hold strong opinions. This includes opinions which are not favoured by our political establishment or even a majority of our population. Teachers don't give-up their human rights when they enter through the school gates. Your account of the facts of the case is wrong as Adam at no time communicated his politics to students. He was a well-liked and accomplished teacher.I supported the application for adjournment on behalf of Adam Walker because the situation in Birmingham is volatile following provocative demonstrations by the so-called 'English Defence League' which led to an extreme reaction from some Muslims. All responsible groups must seek to restore peace and encourage dialogue between different sections of our community. The decision to adjourn was made in that spirit to help the Police maintain order and do nothing to harm community relations.