Teachers at a south London Catholic state school have voted in favour of industrial action after gay young adult author, Simon James Green, was banned from giving a talk at the school.
Green was due to give a talk at John Fisher School in Purley, Croydon, to commemorate World Book Day on 7 March.
The Education Commission of Southwark Archdiocese intervened however, claiming his books were “not in line with Catholic education.”
In a statement, the diocese said: “From time to time, materials or events emerge for consideration that fall outside the scope of what is permissible in a Catholic school.
“In such circumstances, we have no alternative but to affirm our unequivocal and well-known theological and moral precepts and act in accordance with them.”
An email was also sent to parents explaining their decision.
According to the i, 90% of the National Education Union’s (NEU) members at John Fisher School voted in favour of industrial action, with a 76% voter turnout.
In response, Green stated: “We have to make a stand against LGBTQ+ book censorship. And these school staff have.”
“I applaud and thank every one of them. But it’s not about me – it’s about the students, LGBT or not, who deserve (and need) to see their realities, and those of their peers, reflected in books.”
Pauline Buchanan, London’s regional secretary for NEU, agreed, expressing a need to take action against gender discrimination.
“The result of the ballot today,” she said, “shows that our members will not stand by and watch those who identify as LGBT+ be singled out for adverse and degrading treatment.”
Buchanan added: “We will continue to challenge this unfair and draconian decision and fight for respect for all.”
The strike will take place over three weeks, starting on 28 April, with teachers striking for six days in total.
The diocese’s intervention has raised a number of concerns from local MP, Elliot Colburn, as well as Ofsted, who are now undertaking a snap inspection.
Words by Maddy Raine
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