ASIAN VOICE: Petition for re-instating Batley Grammar School Professor

Tuesday 30th March 2021 09:05 EDT

A Batley Grammar School teacher who triggered protests after showing a cartoon of Prophet Mohammed is believed to be afraid that he and his family will be murdered, his father has reported.

The religious studies professor remains in hiding after receiving death threats and has told his family “it’s all over” and he will never be able to return to his job or his home, The Telegraph reported. The professor was described as a “terrorist” in a letter from one community leader. The West Yorkshire school sent pupils home last week and issued an apology after the parents of Muslim children gathered at the gates to protest.

The teacher’s father in a statement to The Telegraph said, “My son keeps breaking down crying and says that it's all over for him. He is worried that he and his family are all going to be killed. He knows that he's not going to be able to return to work or live in Batley. It's just going to be too dangerous for him and his family.”

In the meantime, a petition from a student of Batley Grammar School noted, “The professor was trying to educate students about racism and blasphemy. He warned the students before showing the images and he had the intent to educate them. He does not deserve such large repercussions. He is not racist and did not support the Islamiphobic cartoons in any manner." This has got out of hand and due to this, students have missed out on lessons because of "peaceful" protestors.

It further notes, “The issue is already nationwide. The professor has already apologised and has been suspended. Against all odds, students wish to make a statement and reinstate him back as a teacher in Batley Grammar School due to his pure intentions. Join with us and make a statement before this is a repeat of what happened to the teacher in France when he showed the same pictures.”

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