English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

I read in the paper something about teachers being banned from expressing party political views in school. I was wondering why this was, and also, would my teachers be breaking this rule in the following scenarios.

My chemistry teacher told us that he doesn't vote for the 3 main parties because they're all the same. My history teacher regularly expresses his negative views on Tony Blair, how the Labour party are drifting away from their socialist beliefs and his dislike for the Tory's.

Would this be breaking the rule, or does the teacher have to be expressing extreme views in order to be breaking the law?

2007-06-03 02:14:05 · 9 answers · asked by ♥Emily♥ 4 in Education & Reference Teaching

9 answers

Neither of them are breaking the law if they are critizing a political party or a political leader. They are breaking the law when they are avocating for a particular political party and it has to go more than just saying I typically vote for the Conservative Party candidates for example. I hope this helps you out. The reality is though teachers should give a balanced view on politics in the classroom (and trust me I know that is tough) without saying one party is better than another because it is preceived they may be influencing the decision making of their students.

Good Luck!!!

2007-06-03 02:22:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4 0

You're talking about Tony Blair, so I assume your British. I'm American, so I don't know anything about your laws, however I will tell you that in America, teachers do NOT have complete freedom of speech (as someone suggested earlier) while teaching in their classroom. Teachers can be disciplined for talking about personal opinions. For example, teachers have been terminated (after being given a direct order to not continue) for repeatedly expressing negative opinions about the war in Iraq. Teachers are hired to provide instruction that teach students the standards that are established by the school district. Teachers are NOT hired to preach religion or express political views. Teachers are not breaking laws if they talk about political issues, but they may be terminated from their job for insubordiation if they have been told to not talk about political issues.

I don't about about British schools, but you should talk to the person in charge of the school (your school headmaster or principal or whatever you have there) and explain your feelings. Chemistry has nothing to do with politics (generally speaking), but the history teacher might have an educational reason for talking politics.

2007-06-03 11:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by Roger S 7 · 1 0

In a class on political science or history, it would be appropriate to discuss the various political parties in the UK or in any democratic country. However, the teacher should not express personal opinions or attempt to indoctrinate the students in his/her own political beliefs. Whether or not this is breaking a law depends on the country or State in which it is done. However, it is morally wrong in any case.

2007-06-03 09:22:04 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 0 0

You live in the UK and you're asking a bunch of people who live all over the world a question that can only be answered by people who know the laws of your community.

I don't know if it's legal where you are, or even where I live in the U.S. but pushing a political agenda can be in really poor taste.

Do you have a counselor at school you can discuss this with? A counselor at your own school will know what's legal, and what's considered to be in poor taste. A counselor can recommend what you can do to speak your opinion without being given "hearburn" by the teachers. Hopefully this solution will work for you.

2007-06-03 09:57:53 · answer #4 · answered by Nedra E 7 · 0 1

You could always tell the principal of your school that you resent your teachers wasting class time whining about their political views. Warn them that if the teachers offend the wrong person a lawsuit might follow and that the teachers should stick to subject relevant material.

2007-06-03 09:17:48 · answer #5 · answered by maccrew6 6 · 2 1

UMMM, not breaking the law, it is know as a little thing called freedom of speech!!!! But if it does not pertain to the subject matter at hand and impeding your academic learning of a specific subject take it up with administration.

2007-06-03 10:44:52 · answer #6 · answered by Wendy C 2 · 0 2

I think they are just expressing their opinions and they do have freedom of speech. I've heard of a lot worse things said about politicians.

2007-06-03 12:40:48 · answer #7 · answered by Pearl 6 · 1 1

i think that as long as they're not influencing your views on it then it's not breaking the law, and as you're asking this question its obvious that they havent

2007-06-03 12:29:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1 1

rules!!what about the democracy & the freedom of speech!!there shouldn't be any rules!!

2007-06-03 09:18:22 · answer #9 · answered by donia f 4 · 2 2

fedest.com, questions and answers