Head says sorry as teacher suspended over use of image of Prophet Muhammad
‘UNEQUIVOCAL’ APOLOGY AMID PROTESTS
A GRAMMAR school’s headteacher has appeared on camera to publicly apologise after a member of staff was said to have used a ‘totally inappropriate image’ of the Prophet Muhammad during a religious studies lesson.
Batley Grammar head Gary Kibble was speaking in the aftermath of a lengthy protest in reaction to the use of the cartoon, which took place outside the school’s gates yesterday.
Protesters gathered on Carlinghow Hill for more than six hours, demanding the teacher responsible for showing the caricatures be sacked.
They were joined by Imam Mohammed Amin Pandor, who was allowed inside the school building to discuss the matter with the headteacher himself.
The director of the Peace Institute then made his own statement at the gates of the school during which he slammed the use of the images as ‘totally unacceptable.’ Mr Kibble appeared on camera to reiterate a statement released by the school yesterday.
He said: “I wanted to speak to you all today because I know members of our community wanted to hear from me personally.
“For those who have not heard the statement, I thought it was important to read it for you, for clarity.
“The school unequivocally apologises for using a totally inappropriate image in a recent religious studies lesson. It should not have been used. The member of staff has also relayed their most sincere apologies. We have immediately withdrawn teaching on this part of the course and we are reviewing how we go forward with the support of all the communities represented in our school.
“It is important for children to learn about faiths and beliefs, but this must be done in a respectful, sensitive way.
“The member of staff has been suspended pending an independent, formal investigation.
“The school is working closely with our governing board and community leaders to help us resolve this situation.”
Mr Kibble added it was ‘very difficult’ to field questions from the media on the matter without ‘jeopardising’ the school’s formal investigation.
The protest cleared at around 2pm and the road – which was closed throughout the protest – has now reopened.