So, am I simply not allowed to have an opinion on anything now?

LAST week I had a ticking off from the manager of a company I do some work for. The reason for this telling off was due to a student making a complaint against me for something I allegedly said while doing some work in their accommodation.

I have not been told who made the complaint or what I allegedly had said. All I know is, it was to something to do with the BLM movement.

Now as I am about as offensive as a puppy dog, I wondered what all the fuss was about. I’m not sure who the complainant was but as I treat all students with the same respect I sat down and thought about what I could have possibly said to cause offense and prompt someone to make a complaint.

Knowing that BLM was mentioned I thought about any conversations I may have had.

As my conversations with students usually involves finding out where they are from (where’s home?) and what they are studying?

The next topic of conversation would have been along the lines of something topical. So Covid and lockdown would have been mentioned. I probably mentioned about my wife had been shielding and had basically not been out of the house since sometime in March. She is vulnerable and has a weak immune system.

I would have said along the lines of I don’t think it’s fair that thousands of people had descended on Bristol during the pandemic (June 7), possibly bringing more germs into the city (just my opinion).

I also probably said I don’t think it’s right that some of those people then carried out criminal damage to property – as in the pulling down of the Colston statue (again my opinion).

I would have also said something along the lines of I don’t think it’s fair to make all footballers kneel before a football match, this should be up to the individual, should they wish to do it. These are just my thoughts, I don’t force them on anyone. Stand Against Racism is a far better way of doing things in my opinion. But then again I don’t seem to be allowed an opinion.

There is nothing else I would have said. I am clear in my mind I would not say anything to anyone which would cause offence.

Certainly, when meeting someone for the first time and wanting to make a good impression on them I would be, as I always am cheerful, open, and friendly.

I treat people as I hope they treat me. It’s a sad and unnecessary situation that I am faced with here, the way I look at it is, I please 99.9% of the people I visit and have done for almost 20 years, I am not going to let a tiny % get me down. Name and address supplied