A teacher at a high school in Wishaw, who was suspended following an allegation he made inappropriate comments about the royal family, could be referred to the General Teaching Council in Scotland.
Education bosses at North Lanarkshire Council made the decision to suspend the individual from the school in Castlehill Road following a complaint by a pupil’s parent.
It is understood that the experienced teacher, thought to be taking an S3 Modern Studies class, initiated a conversation with pupils about the merits of maintaining the monarchy in the United Kingdom following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
It’s been alleged that the teacher made comments about members of the Queen’s family and used “inappropriate language”.
The General Teaching Council in Scotland (GTCS) sets professional standards for teachers. Should a teacher be referred for investigation, and the GTCS decide there is sufficient evidence to prove an allegation, a Fitness to Teach Panel considers the case.
It can make one of three decisions: take no further action because fitness to teach is not impaired; issue a consent order; or refer the case on for a full hearing.
A report which appeared on Novaramedia, an online media site based in England, includes comments purportedly from the teacher who has been teaching for 22 years.
It also refers to a letter to the teacher from Janie O’Neill, head of Education and Families at the council, in which she outlines the reason for the suspension following a “parental complaint” alleging the teacher made inappropriate remarks about Royal Family members and “mocked pupils”.
The teacher claims the class were asked about media coverage of the royal family and if they didn’t think it strange that they didn’t hear “dissenting voices” or that everyone seemed to be “pushing the same narrative”.
According to the news report the teacher also queried if pupils didn’t think it was a bit odd that no one was asking “Is this maybe a time to think about moving away from a royal family?”
It added that the teacher claimed that one female pupil suggested he “must be a Catholic” and told him he must “respect the Queen”.
The local authority have refuted claims that the teacher’s suspension is an attempt to silence republican sentiment.
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council told Lanarkshire Live: “We do not comment on individual employee matters but to be clear, the council completely refutes the allegation that this matter is part of a broader attempt to repress republican sentiment across the UK.
“The matter is being addressed through our policies and procedures and will be concluded at the earliest possible point.”
* Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
