School issues apology to teaching assistant who told student gay relationships are wrong
A school has reached an out-of-court settlement with a Christian teaching assistant who claimed her feelings were injured when she was given a warning for homophobia.
Vicky Allen, who works at the Brannel School in Cornwall, was disciplined after she told a pupil that she did not like how the Biblical rainbow symbol now represented gay pride.
The 51-year-old Christian teacher also told the 14-year-old Autistic student that she did not approve of same-sex relationships. Allen received a disciplinary warning after the boy’s mother complained to the school but was allowed to continue work.
But despite the lack of actual punishment, Allen launched a legal challenge with help from the anti-LGBT Christian Legal Centre.
In a joint statement today, Allen and headeacher Andy Edmonds confirmed a settlement had been reached.
It is not known if compensation will be paid to Allen for her ‘hurt feelings’.
In its apology, the school said it “recognised Victoria Allen’s right to share her Christian beliefs with students and has apologised for any upset that Victoria Allen may have felt during the disciplinary process”.
Allen acknowledged teaching staff “should share balanced views”.
Libby Powell of the Christian Legal Centre said: “Vicky was asked a question about her personal opinion.
“We know that there are lots of people who disagree with the Biblical view of marriage and they are free to disagree.
“What we want to say is that there has to be space for the other point of view Vicky’s point of view to be there as well.”
