Displaying items by tag: primary school

Kristie Higgs, a Christian school counselling assistant, has won a landmark UK Court of Appeal case after being fired in 2019 for expressing concerns on Facebook about LGBTQ+ materials being taught in her son’s CofE primary school. The court ruled her dismissal was unlawful discrimination based on religion and belief. Higgs had posted about the 'No Outsiders' programme, which included books promoting gender ideology. An anonymous parent complained, leading to her dismissal for 'gross misconduct'. The school argued she was fired for her language, not her beliefs, but judges ruled the termination was disproportionate. The ruling strengthens freedom of speech and religious expression in employment law, shifting the burden onto employers to justify such dismissals. Higgs, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, called the decision a victory for free speech and for Christians facing workplace discrimination. She hopes it will protect others from losing their jobs over their beliefs.

The headteacher of a London primary school ruled that children should sing ‘baby boy Jesus’, not ‘little Lord Jesus’ in the carol Away in a manger (so that pupils of all beliefs could join in). Children also sang edited versions of modern hymns at a carol service and nativity at a nearby church. Margarita, whose children attend the school, said: ‘As a family we go to church, pray together, and celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus the Son of God. If he was just a baby boy named Jesus, there wouldn't be a celebration in the first place. He is our Lord and Saviour and King of all Kings - that's the whole point.’

A Christian parent is challenging a London school which took all its children to a gay pride event in June 2018. Heavers Farm Primary School allegedly said the visit did not come under sexual education, and so opt-outs were not granted. Headteacher Susan Papas said at the time: ‘We believe that it is important to teach children about diversity and acceptance, and we stand by our decision.’ Fourteen parents complained, and on 20 November Izoduwa Adhedo and her husband, with a Christian Legal Centre representative, met the school governors. Mrs Adhedo said, ‘After I complained about my young child being forced to take part in an event that goes against our Christian beliefs, the school's attitude towards me changed completely.’ She feels that senior staff misled her with incorrect statements of law and failed to follow proper procedures. Her son no longer attends the school, because they were 'bullied out of it'.