Exclusive
UNDER GUARD
Prophet Mohammed cartoon: Batley Grammar School teacher goes into hiding after sparking parent protest
THE teacher who showed his class a caricature of the Muslim prophet Mohammed has gone into hiding.
The suspended RE teacher has not been seen at his home for several days, according to neighbours.
11
11
11
The 29-year-old is understood to be in hiding after he was named online last night by local charity Purpose of Life, which accused him of "sadistic behaviour".
But protesters said at least two other members of staff also faced potential disciplinary action.
And some claimed that the same material was used in the lesson about blasphemy last year but complaints from parents were ignored.
The teacher - a keen amateur rugby league player described by a neighbour as a "good, burly Yorkshire lad" - trained to teach in 2016.
He is understood to have four young children with his partner.
The neighbour said: "He likes his rugby and always had a smile for us.”
It comes after dozens of protesters gathered at the gates of Batley Grammar School in West Yorkshire on Thursday morning.
Another protest is under way today, and the school is closed for a second day as cops man the gates.
One of the protesters told reporters the teacher should face criminal proceedings.
"Use of these materials was done in a deliberate, threatening and provocative manner, leaving children concerned for safety and wellbeing," he said.
"This incident must also be investigated from a criminal perspective given it was clear attempt to stir up religious hatred."
And he said protesters are calling on the "entire British Muslim community to review materials taught in their children's schools", especially if they relate to "offensive content, inappropriate relationships and sexual education".
Another protester added: "We're not inciting any hatred, we don't want people to get injured or harmed, but, at the same time, you should learn from what's happened and know these kinds of things will bring about people getting very emotional."
The row that's caused a national storm
- A religious studies teacher showed pupils a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed from French magazine Charlie Hedbo earlier this week, it's claimed
- The decision sparked fury - and locals gathered outside the school gates to protest yesterday and today, forcing the school to shut
- The headteacher of the school has apologised and suspended the teacher, 29
- But as political figures including Gavin Williamson wade in, cops feared the teacher was in danger
- He, his wife and their four children have reportedly been rushed into hiding by police
Students at the school have started a petition backing the teacher and calling for his reinstatement.
Last night it had 15,000 signatures.
This morning, Housing Minister Robert Jenrick said he was 'disturbed' to hear that the teacher has been forced into hiding.
"It's very disturbing," he said.
"That's not a road we want to go down in this country, so I'd strongly urge people who are concerned about this issue not to do that."
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has called the "threats and intimidation" aimed at the teacher "completely unacceptable" - and said schools must be allowed to expose pupils to "challenging or controversial" issues.
There was local fury after the teacher showed pupils the satirical drawing from French magazine Charlie Hebdo.
Three years after the cartoon was published, 12 people were murdered during an armed attack at the magazine's offices.
'WE ARE FREE TO FOLLOW ANY RELIGION - OR NONE'
Mr Williamson said: "It is never acceptable to threaten or intimidate teachers.
"We encourage dialogue between parents and schools when issues emerge.
"However, the nature of protest we have seen, including issuing threats and in violation of coronavirus restrictions are completely unacceptable and must be brought to an end."
“Schools are free to include a full range of issues, ideas and materials in their curriculum, including where they are challenging or controversial, subject to their obligations to ensure political balance.
"They must balance this with the need to promote respect and tolerance between people of different faiths and beliefs, including in deciding which materials to use in the classroom.”
Sajid Javid, the former Chancellor, also spoke out against the protests.
He said: "In this country we are free to peacefully follow, preach or query any religion or none.
"These are hard-won freedoms that must be upheld by all public institutions.
11
11
11
11
"Reports of intimidation in Batley set a deeply unsettling and potentially dangerous precedent."
It comes after teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded last October by an Islamist terrorist in France after showing his pupils a cartoon of the prophet.
In a letter to parents, Batley headmaster Gary Kibble, offered a “sincere and full apology" adding the picture shown was “completely inappropriate”.
But the apology did not deter dozens of parents gathering outside the school yesterday and today to demand that the teacher be sacked.
School bosses held a meeting with a local Imam before suspending the teacher.
A senior police source said the teacher was receiving police protection in the wake of his suspension, reports.
And the paper said that, the teacher, his partner and their young children were not at their home. The family are thought to have been moved to a safe location.
11
11
11
11
The source said there had been a “series of meetings” inside West Yorkshire Police over the policing of the demonstration and how to handle the fall out including keeping the teacher safe.
“Officers have been especially assigned to him,” said the source.
“This is obviously very sensitive.
"Local Muslims are up in arms and the teacher has not apologised.
"There is obviously significant risk around the individual now.
Protests would continue today
But a post that circulated on social media overnight urged parents not to attend, reports.
The post reads: "The teacher was incorrect. Accepted.
"Allow the correct channels and organisations to deal with this without causing further discomfort in our community.
"The children are scared whilst you consider turning up for a protest."
Most read in News
Meanwhile, a Muslim organisation dedicated to peace has issued a statement about its "grave concerns".
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Chiefs at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK said: "It is complete unacceptable that such offensive material was used in the school and that is deeply distressing.
"We acknowledge the fact the school has since apologised for the incident and is taking steps to ensure that such issues do not arise in the future."
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick says 'it's disturbing' to see people protesting outside a school, after a teacher showed class caricature of the Prophet Mohammed
Topics