Joshua Sutcliffe, a Christian math teacher, lost his High Court appeal against a ban from the profession imposed after he misgendered a transgender pupil. The prohibition order, issued in May 2023, followed a finding of “unacceptable professional conduct” during his tenure at The Cherwell School in Oxford. Sutcliffe argued that the ban infringed on his freedom of speech and religion. However, Mr. Justice Pepperall dismissed his appeal, stating that Sutcliffe failed to recognize the harm caused to the pupil and did not adequately balance his religious beliefs with his professional responsibilities. Sutcliffe contended that the ruling threatens teachers’ ability to express their beliefs in the classroom.
Teacher Banned Over Misgendering Pupil Loses High Court Appeal
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