A secondary school teacher who faced suspension after telling students that transgender people have something "psychologically wrong" with them has been formally cleared to resume his duties in the classroom. The case, which involved remarks about transgender identity being a "mental illness" and opposition to same-sex marriage, culminated in a Teaching Regulation Agency tribunal that ultimately permitted his return.
Background of the Incident
Daniel Ross, a Christian educator, began his tenure at Brompton Academy in Gillingham, Kent, in October 2020. In May 2021, concerns were raised regarding comments he made during an English lesson. Specifically, Mr Ross informed pupils that being transgender constitutes a "mental illness" and asserted that gay couples should not marry, stating they "shouldn't exist and shouldn't marry." He also reiterated his belief that there are only two genders. Following a complaint from a student's parent, he was suspended the next day, triggering an investigation into his conduct.
Inappropriate Jokes in the Staff Room
The investigation revealed additional incidents of inappropriate behavior. On May 14, 2021, Mr Ross made a joke in the English staff room about "an Irish man performing fellatio on a car exhaust and getting burn marks around his lips." A colleague interrupted him, deeming the joke derogatory towards people from Ireland and requesting he stop. Mr Ross admitted to making the joke but claimed he did not believe it was offensive.
On the same occasion, after being called out for the first joke, he whispered another joke to a colleague: "What did the gay man get on his helmet?" with the answer "Skid marks." He stated this joke had been heard from a student. Colleagues described the jokes as "light-hearted" but inappropriate, though they acknowledged he may not have intended to cause offense.
Tribunal Proceedings and Findings
The case was escalated to a Teaching Regulation Agency tribunal, where decision maker Sarah Buxcey presided. During questioning, Mr Ross defended his classroom comments, saying, "I did say that people who believe in more than two genders might need mental help and have a mental illness. That's what I believe but I did say there are people you can talk to. I didn't mean it to be offensive, but people who hold these views do need psychological mental help."
The panel found that Mr Ross's actions were "plainly wrong and inappropriate" and fell short of the standards expected of a teacher. They noted he showed a disregard for his duties and responsibilities as a role model, and his comments risked negatively impacting colleagues and pupils. However, the tribunal also observed "some, albeit very limited, evidence of regret, remorse and insight" from Mr Ross.
Decision to Allow Return
Despite concerns about a potential risk of repetition due to a lack of full insight or remorse, the tribunal decided that allowing Mr Ross to continue teaching struck a "fair balance between the public interest and Mr Ross' interests." Sarah Buxcey concluded that publishing the findings would be sufficient to convey the unacceptable standards of behavior and meet the public interest requirement of upholding professional standards. Therefore, no further sanctions were imposed, and he is now cleared to return to the classroom.
