[Closed] Teachers not allowed to have political views

That's all a bit

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isn't it?

Or Mao, Lenin, etc.

Either way, that's not right. Education should be apolitical, but that should not extend as far as this. Keep political views out of the classroom by all means, but not this.

paulwf - Member

She is going to phone the Union tomorrow

Sounds like she might be about to express a political view, prepare the waterboard!

I have no idea of the legality, I'm just going to assume it's a load of shit, caused by incompetence rather than an evil conspiracy.

I believe in terms of professionalism (I'm also a teacher) that my political views are irrelevant to the kids I'm teaching.

However, by being in a position of power, I need to ensure that I don't sway the kids to one or another political view. I feel its my duty to ensure they make informed, educated and unbiased opinions.

Somebody has objected to someone stating support of UKIP

Seems quite draconian IMO.

Whilst I agree Personal Political Views should be allowed, they should be backed up by Other Politlical Viewponts too.

It's about teaching balance, let the kids decide thier own Political View based on evidence presented, not by coercion.

I can understand keeping it out of the classroom but she runs the risk of falling foul to this if she complains on social media about Academies, Brexit.

Jesus Christ - everyday is getting more like the 1930's - even if the original complaint was about UKIP this is still ridiculous.

Besides, the most entertaining teachers were always opinionated and would goad us into arguing with them.

1. Seems common sense
2. Doesn't

She didn't see the text herself so I suspect someone has got the wrong end of the stick somewhere. My teacher friends post political stuff on FB all the time. There are countless teachers actually involved in local govt.

Very disturbing.

1)The announcement
2)The fact they felt the necessity to make it.

All Teachers are lefties, always have been always will be, it's the very reason there are so many righties.

And your concerns are?

I have the same professional responsibility it comes with being in such a position.

I can post political views on social media but has to be that is such a way to represent my employer or insight such things as racial hatred.

Up to "site," I don't think that any person reasonable person could complain.

Social media and in public - Hmmmm

Part 2 has been written by someone with not enough common sense to see that it is a) wrong b) utterly unenforceable.

Article 19.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

[url= http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html ]http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html[/url]

I agree she didn't see the message in writing.
She is going to request a copy, as it wouldn't be the first time the headteachers has misinterpreted a statement.

Either way, that's not right. Education should be apolitical, but that should not extend as far as this. Keep political views out of the classroom by all means, but not this.

THIS

I am fairly sure teachers [ true for police and prisons] that they cannot be a member of an "extremist" party

Judging by teachers on here its far from the case in fact they are some of the most out spoken.

Is this a general ongoing ruling or is there an upcoming local / by election and their including employees us of social media as part of the restrictions councils face during periods of Purdah?

express political views on site, social media or in public

What social media exactly? The school's website / social media or a teacher's own personal social media account?

And if theirs a restriction on protests does this mean as an individual expressing their own concerns or as a teacher representing their school or profession?

Outside of the school, whilst not representing the school I don't see an issue but not in the classroom.

Breach of human rights surely? Oh wait, that's an EU thing, never mind.

Judging by teachers on here its far from the case in fact they are some of the most out spoken.

Extremisists mean the BNP or the SWP - I'm not sure there are any teachers on here that fit that mold.

Certainly shouldn't be allowed to in school time. But in your own time? That's taking the piss.

Time to find another job.

Edit: assuming you have political views. Normal, people don't, so I guess it's largely irrelevant.

I'm not a teacher but every employment contract I've had has a clause about no political canvassing but it's bonkers to stop people having a view on it.

Teachers [u]not allowed to have[/u] political views

Staff are [u]not allowed to express[/u] political views on site, social media or in public

Can you spot the difference?

I would hope schmiken's stance in the norm. I also think that northwind is on the right lines, some heads and dep heads can be so risk averse that stated policies like this are overboard, partly arse-covering as well. Asking for the written copy is sensible.

Teachers expressing political views on social media should only be an issue if they are friends with students, which would already be an issue Ninfan.

Teachers expressing political views on social media should only be an issue if they are friends with students, which would already be an issue.

Some forms of social media are more visible than others. Facebook has configurable privacy settings but Twitter posts are findable regardless of whether you are friends with / connect to someone.

This is a social media issue as much as anything else.

Teachers are people too of course and there might be overlap between social circles of parents and the teachers. A friend of my wife's who is a teacher has two profiles, as celebrities and one-person businesses do. Overkill? Dunno.

Some forms of social media are more visible than others. Facebook has configurable privacy settings but Twitter posts are findable regardless of whether you are friends with / connect to someone.

Then issue a ban on twitter - not hard is it?

It's ****ing ridiculous anyway, not allowed to express political opinions - but totally fine to have religious schools.

I'm not sure that teachers should not express any political views in school. I think one of the most worrying aspects of our society is lack of engagement in politics amongst the yoofs. When kids asked me my opinions on Brexit I told them. I try to be balanced and avoid talk about this party or that but I dont think I should shy away from showing that I think politics is important.

+1 anagallis

I reckon your wife should organise a rally for teacher's rights.

I'm not sure that teachers should not express any political views in school. I think one of the most worrying aspects of our society is lack of engagement in politics amongst the yoofs. When kids asked me my opinions on Brexit I told them. I try to be balanced and avoid talk about this party or that but I dont think I should shy away from showing that I think politics is important.

Have never seen anything like this in 20 years of teaching. It worries me on a number of levels if true and a genuine blanket ban.

Extremisists mean the BNP or the SWP - I'm not sure there are any teachers on here that fit that mold.

I'm sorry where did I say they were extremists?

Get the kids to go on strike in support?

What sanction could the school or council apply?

Thread title.

Teachers not allowed to have political views

-Staff are not allowed to express political views on site, social media or in public
-Staff are not allowed to attend rallies or protests before first seeking permission

I doubt very much whether such rules are legally enforcable. We still live in a free country (as of yesterday, at least) where citizens are allowed to express their political views freely.

You should. I wouldn't ever express political views at work, or tolerate anyone doing so. It's unprofessional

No it's not , it's honest. As long as you're not trying to browbeat of protelyse with your views.
If a pupil asks me what my opinion is on a political matter I'll tell them, but in a reasoned manner, being willing to hear their views if they differ from mine. We want to engage kids with politics, not pretend it doesn't exist!

You should. I wouldn't ever express political views at work, or tolerate anyone doing so. It's unprofessional.

No idea what your job is but mine is to educate kids and help them become well rounded individuals and to me that includes promoting engagement with politics showing that I care about it and helping them think about it and debate it amongst their peers and if that needs me to put an opinion out there then so be it.

Sounds nonsensical and not really worth wasting mental energy on - Just some local council bolloxology that one can safely ignore. Seek permission to participate in a protest? Aye, right.

If council means the governing body of the school or something like that then it's more concerning - trouble at mill with the management if this sort of thing is indicative of policy.

No idea what your job is but mine is to educate kids and help them become well rounded individuals and to me that includes promoting engagement with politics showing that I care about it and helping them think about it and debate it amongst their peers and if that needs me to put an opinion out there then so be it.

Is it possible that this has come about due to a confrontation at a school? Then the council have gone a bit overkill? People on social media in particular can completely loose the plot at times, especially post Brexit.

Useless council bastards, could've banned em from talking shop in the pub while they were at it.

No idea what your job is but mine is to educate kids and help them become well rounded individuals

And thats why you're such a good RE teacher 😆 😉

What subject do you teach?

Biology mostly but my role as a form tutor involves getting the kids to talk about current affairs and the like.

Biology mostly but my role as a form tutor involves getting the kids to talk about current affairs and the like.

anagallis_arvensis - Member
No idea what your job is but mine is to educate kids and help them become well rounded individuals and to me that includes promoting engagement with politics showing that I care about it and helping them think about it and debate it amongst their peers and if that needs me to put an opinion out there then so be it.

Tomorrow morning I think I might go with May and Rudd. Will be interesting in a school with around 40% of students of Asian or Eastern European descent...

[s]one one[/s] [u]one [i]to[/i] one[/u] morning registration each[s] weak [/s][u]week[/u] to discuss current affairs

See me after class

Another good reason for keeping (local) governments out of education

I'm sorry where did I say they were extremists?

You implied it with your response to Junkyard?

maccruiskeen - Member
one one one to one morning registration each weak week to discuss current affairs
See me after class

Sorry sir. Must try harder.

[excuse]Bloody phone predictive typing while multitasking with an overworked teacher's tired mind[/excuse]

Plus, I'm an Art teacher. Everyone knows it's not a real subject and we're only one small step above PE teachers in terms of intellect.

Oh wait, that's an EU thing, never mind.

No, it really isn't ECHR is separate from EU and the ECJ.

-Staff are not allowed to express political views on site, social media or in public

So no talking about Brexit or other major issues of the day in the staff room then?

I am subject to similar rules as a civil servant. I can have views, I can express them , but not in my work capacity or in any way that may link my views to my employer.

Seems fair to me. We don't want everyone to know that it's shit in the public sector and it's all Thatchers fault.

You implied it with your response to Junkyard?

No I did not it was also a generic response hence no quote. You really are someone who deliberate twists peoples responses.

Biology mostly but my role as a form tutor involves getting the kids to talk about current affairs and the like.

I don't think that's what it means I understand it as not making your political views the only ones.

Our council said we weren't to show political affiliation or give our own political bias (my words). you can discuss politics but not push your view. This included bumper stickers in staff car parks during the indy referendum.

All Teachers are lefties, always have been always will be 🙄
There is a logic but its badly put.
Politics has no place in education except in a balanced informational way. Eg "these are the views, take your pic." As in RE.
For a member of the profession to voice their opinion in one particular way would be very wrong and putting personal beliefs before the children.
I object to religious missionaries in the same way. Religion is fine but keep it to yourself please.
I think that when one choses certain positions in life , one has to accept that there may be certain "standards", possibly unwritten, that are to be adhered to. Many people here happily condone speeding but if an off duty copper is knicked all hell is let loose. Public displays of belief that show pinion too strongly might need to be avoided. Helping save a footpath the other end of the country when the chances of anything controversial reason the home town local rag might be ok. Lobbing eggs at the Queen when she visits the old peoples home next door to the school isn't. Teachers don't get their tits out on holiday then FB this pics. That undermines the respect for them and the profession. I see that behaving like a bunch of yobs at a political rally in much the same way.
I suspect that nothing could be enforced unless the OP's wife could be charged with bringing the profession into disrepute.

But the rules are from the council or governing body not gtc/gtcs therefore profession into disrepute not applicable. Although there will be something in the councils code of conduct.

So teachers are barred from being councillors or MPs without the councils permission? Total bollocks. There really are dome dullards on here.

OP she should tell them to jog on

At school that's entirely appropriate. Outside its questionable imo.

OP posting on social media can be used by employers in cases of misconduct especially if your profile is linked to your employer. So if a teacher has their school on their profile and then posts about politics it could well be a problem.

So teachers are barred from being councillors or MPs?

I think having any full time job is a fairly significant bar to being an councillor or MP

No it isn't (at least not to stand as an mp which "may" involve saying politicky things, apparently). And what about part time teachers. Loads of councillors have full time jobs.

My local councilor (with a party badge) was a full time school teacher in the same council area. Don't see the problem.

Council meetings were in the evenings, surgeries evenings and weekends. My understanding is that the councilors set strategy and take decisions but that there are officials to do the full time work.

Probably worth being careful what social media posts are made but that applies to many jobs. I don't post anything anywhere under my full name.

Mr Joplin, my History teacher, was a 2CV (replete with CND badge) driving pinko who had no issue with sharing his political views and spoke at many marches when he wasn't picketing the school or supporting the miners. He could have won over us young impressionable adolescents except his other pastime was morris dancing which rather took the edge off his allure.

I'm pretty careful not to overtly share my political views though the kids are normally desperately keen to know what you think. Pretty certain they have a good idea of my opinion on most things even if I have not expressed it directly. I do think it's important for kids to have role models who are politically aware and motivated though - as a generation their parent's are depressingly politically apathetic so most are not getting it at home.

I think having any full time job is a fairly significant bar to being an councillor or MP

My A level economics teacher stood as an MP. Later became Home Sec.

Did you pass? 😉

The romantic answer should be the Welsh wizard Merlyn Rees but I doubt you are that old and that would make you an Old Harrovian!!!. The more mundane answer would be Miss Smith and early days in Redditch??

My son had an economics teacher who debated politics in class with the kids in class, it caused a lot of debate at home with junior going to the next class well armed for the next debate. Junior was sufficiently inspired to put in the work necessary to get into Science Po, Paris, and was in a debate with Madame Tobira last week. Vocations often start in school, I'm delighted his teacher expressed views even if they were often the opposite of my own.

It's pretty much impossible to lead a political debate without expressing an opinion if only through how you moderate the debate. You have to point out when what's being debated breaks laws, is elitist, dictatorial, xenophobic or whatever. Judgements need to be made, kids demand them. Reading through a UK news site I can understand that councils and the current government may wish to stop teachers making those kind of judgements.

Someone needs to tell the kids and parents that the council is trying to deny teachers their rights and to vote for someone else when the elections come around.

My A level economics teacher stood as an MP. Later became Home Sec

I suppose it has to be allowed in school to some extent, a history teacher teaching about world war 2 would be hard pressed to remain apolitical, so I suppose actions should be taken on an individual basis, where the line is drawn exactly, is not clear. Whether it's possible to draw a line is also unclear.

If I didn't get to shout abuse at my Tory colleagues at lunch time my life would be the poorer for it. As would theirs as they try to undermine are pinko dogma.

Are we really saying this shouldn't be allowed in the staff room?

PS I seem to be under alot of pressure to teach British Values. Isn't that in effect expressing political opinions

Ex teacher here and I was told all the stuff O.P. mentioned on my 1st day of teaching years ago.

No more Facebook etc.

I never expressed my political views in teaching but taught constructive criticism in my physics classes.

Apparently you are not allowed to do anything but be boring citizens or extremely sporty/charitable.

I am happier not teaching although I miss teaching kids, I don't marking and completing other pointless systems.

If you're a Nazi or sexist, then don't teach kids as you could be seen as projecting those views/discriminating to kids.

ampthill - Member
PS I seem to be under alot of pressure to teach British Values. Isn't that in effect expressing political opinions

Frankenstein - Member
No more Facebook etc.

In my last school social media presence wasn't even mentioned (but then neither were lots of things, which was odd given it was apparently an outstanding school).

In the school before that, we were 'advised' not to be on any social media but it was never monitored or enforced, and even staff who openly criticised the school on Facebook were never taken to task.

In my current school (I started here this September) I have seen a refreshingly sensible approach. We have been told it's absolutely OK to have a personal presence on social media but just to exercise common sense about what we post.

Did you pass

Seems to be a real mess my son is a teacher and has been advised not to express political opinions on social media or in public which seems understandable at least, but he has also been told not to go to The Yesbar as that would be seen as endorsing independence.

Seems to be a real mess my son is a teacher and has been advised not to express political opinions on social media or in public which seems understandable at least, but he has also been told not to go to The Yesbar as that would be seen as endorsing independence.

Stop being so reasonable. None of that is understandable or acceptable and all of it needs to be challenged.

This only becomes an issue if one believes that kids are not discerning or capable enough to realise that teachers (like anyone else) are capable of talking/believing shite.

IME that is not the case plus it removes the kids opportunity to have some fun at listening to the kind of tripe that gets spouted in econ threads here and elsewhere.