School apologises to Christian teaching assistant disciplined for expressing beliefs
Thank you for praying for Vicky Allen, the Christian teaching assistant whose Employment Tribunal hearing was due to begin yesterday.
Please give thanks with us that a settlement has been reached, and the school's head teacher has apologised to Vicky for the upset caused by the disciplinary process.
Vicky continues to be supported by the Christian Legal Centre.
Settlement Statement
The full text of the settlement statement is as follows:
Victoria Allen and the Governing Body of Brannel School are pleased to announce that the employment dispute between Victoria Allen and Brannel School is now concluded.
The parties accept that some people have deeply held views about the nature of marriage, and that every individual has the freedom to express these in accordance with the law. The School also respects that Victoria Allen’s view that marriage should be between a man and a woman is sincerely held and shared by many others.
Andy Edmonds, the Head teacher, has 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.
Victoria Allen has accepted that it is reasonable for the school to request that staff share balanced views with students when asked questions of their personal beliefs and opinion under the requirements of equalities legislation including the Equality Act 2010 and the Education Act 1996.
The parties uphold the rights and freedoms of other members of society based on the principles of a democratic society.
Both parties reaffirm their commitment to the long-standing British values of freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of association with mutual respect for the dignity and rights and freedoms of others, including the right of Victoria Allen to express her views.
Both parties are happy to work with each other going forward to secure a continuing healthy working environment in the School.
Related Links:
Christian teaching assistant challenges disciplinary action
Video: Teaching Assistant disciplined for answering a pupil's questions
Christian school worker Victoria Allen in gay marriage row (BBC)
School issues apology to teaching assistant who told pupil she does not believe in gay marriage (Telegraph)
