A religious education teacher who posted Islamophobic comments on social media and attended a march organised by the far-right group Britain First has been struck off.
Nicholas Hall, who taught at a comprehensive school in Leicester, admitted he had attended a march on one or more occasions, and also admitted posting a number of intolerant messages.
Hall admitted a series of other matters, including allowing 12- and 13-year-old pupils to watch an 18-certificate film, accessing pornography on a school laptop, failing to take appropriate action when a pupil acknowledged taking drugs, and working as a security guard while on sick leave.
A professional conduct panel concluded that he was guilty of “unacceptable professional conduct” and “conduct which may bring the profession into disrepute”.
It also found that he had breached his responsibility not to undermine “fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law … and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”, and that his conduct had violated the rights of pupils.
A number of teachers have been suspended or struck off as a consequence of their links with another far-right group, the British National party (BNP). One, Adam Walker, subsequently became leader of the party.
However, Hall is thought to be the first teacher to be struck off because of his association with Britain First, which was formed three years ago by a number of former BNP members.
The professional conduct panel ordered that Hall be banned indefinitely from teaching in any school, sixth-form college or other children’s establishment in England. He has a right of appeal to the high court.
