Teacher suspended for 'racial stereotyping' (From Haringey Independent)

Teacher suspended for 'racial stereotyping'

8:53am Wednesday 29th October 2008

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A supply teacher has been suspended following allegations of racism while working at a Haringey secondary school.

Nigerian-born Adeniyi Kolade, of Montrose Avenue, Edgware, upset one of the pupils in his Year 7 class when he allegedly referred to him as a “chinky” while teaching at Highgate Wood School, in Montenotte Road, in November 2006.

The following day he reportedly told pupils that “bad people come from bad families” and that “people who don’t learn end up having rubbish jobs like street cleaners and rubbish men”.

According to pupils he added: “Black people these days don’t get the right education.”

Mr Kolade denied the accuracy of these allegations, though he admitted referring to the Year 7 student as “ching”. The General Teaching Council (GTC) said the slur was still inappropriate as it was used in relation to the 11-year-old’s ethnic background.

The council said Mr Kolade’s conduct fell short of the standard expected of a teacher and found him in breach of the teaching code of conduct, having seriously demeaned or undermined pupils by acting in a manner which was discriminatory in relation to colour, race or ethnicity.

At a committee meeting of the GTC on Friday, it was agreed to suspend Mr Kolade from the profession for six months.

He has been ordered to attend an accredited diversity awareness course before he is allowed to return.

David Storrie, of the GTC said: “Mr Kolade demonstrated a lack of cultural sensitivity and a tendency towards racial stereotyping.

“He addressed us on the basis of his cultural background and experience, but we are not satisfied that this justified his lack of awareness of cultural sensitivities of pupils in his care. Throughout these proceedings he demonstrated a lack of insight into his shortcomings and the impact on pupils.”

The council said it feared this was not an isolated expression of Mr Kolade’s views and that he failed to show any regret or apologise for his actions.

Headteacher Patrick Cozier said: “I can confirm that an incident took place at Highgate Wood School in November 2006 involving a supply teacher who was covering for an absent member of staff.

“The teacher concerned has not been used by the school in any capacity since the incident.”

He added he had met the family of the pupil concerned to update them on how the matter was being dealt with.

Mr Kolade has 28 days to appeal the decision at the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court.

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