[ad_1]
Mr. Knowland alleged that he was banned from giving the lecture to students and was later fired after he refused to remove a video of the lecture from his personal YouTube channel. Eton College has said that the firing “was not a question of freedom of expression” but of “internal discipline.”
But in a letter to the school’s vice chancellor, Dr. Andrew Gailey, seen by The TelegraphDr. Martin insists that “freedom of expression and independence of thought” are at the heart of the matter.
He said he has noticed a “worrying trend” in recent years at Eton College, which he had previously raised with both the principal and the first teacher.
“There is a growing promotion of the so-called ‘progressive’ ideology, which claims to be inclusive, tolerant and friendly. This ideology is, of course, present in other institutions ”, he explained.
“But what I have come to realize in recent years is that it is remarkably similar, in one particular respect, to the forms of religious fundamentalism with which I am familiar: if you disagree, you are excluded; if you think differently, it is not tolerated; and if you object, make fun of you, or face formal discipline. “
Dr. Martin said he believes Eton is “moving to a point where it will be accurate to say that they are trying to indoctrinate their students into this worldview.”
He added that since Mr. Knowland’s firing, his concerns about “the prospect of indoctrination” have returned.
Dr. Martin went on to tell the vice chancellor that the dismissal has had a “disheartening” effect on the rest of the Eton Masters.
“The question for some of us is: yes [Will Knowland] was disciplined for expressing unorthodox views, could I be next? “said the letter.
“I am beginning to lose faith in the university’s commitment to one of its main goals: to promote the best habits of independent thinking in boys.”
Last week, Eton students published a petition accusing the school of “institutional bullying” on the grounds that it was a “gross abuse of the school’s duty to protect the freedoms of the individual.”
The petition, which has been widely distributed to current and former students, has so far accumulated more than 2,300 signatures, but Dr. Martin’s letter is the first time a current teacher at Eton College has spoken.
Her letter has been widely shared among parents, and a source said: “They are talking more about this now. But there should be a critical mass of support [for Mr Knowland] to talk to the school. ”
Mr Knowland’s internal appeal against the director’s decision to dismiss him will be heard next week and a crowdfunding page has so far raised over £ 50,000 to cover his legal costs for a potential labor court if the appeal panel does not rule. in your favor.
The vice-chancellor will chair Mr. Knowland’s appeals panel after the chancellor recused on the grounds that he publicly endorsed the director.
A spokesperson for Eton College said: “Once again, there are attempts to conduct or influence the College’s disciplinary process in public rather than through proper procedures.
“This letter has been received by the Vice Chancellor. As he will preside over the appeal hearing, it is inappropriate for us to comment further. “
[ad_2]
