News by email Donate

Suggestions

T2-Academy-sign-and-building-main_article_image.jpg
Google and T2 Academy
UK News

Christian teacher sacked after telling lesbian student of God's love sues Bristol college

Experienced educator Svetlana Powell was dismissed by leaders at the T2 apprenticeship academy who said that her comments were offensive to some students, and she could not control her class.

Bristol Employment Tribunal heard on Thursday that a pupil, who was being disruptive, questioned Mrs Powell on variety of controversial issues, including evolution.

Asked about her views on homosexuality, she told students that she personally believed the homosexuality was against the will of God, but that He loves everyone.

After being told one of the pupils in the room was a lesbian, Mrs Powell replied that God loved her. Mrs Powell has been teaching the class in late July 2016 on behalf of an absent colleague.

Sian Prigg, the Academy's Chief Safeguarding Officer, told the Tribunal a number of students complained that they were "brainwashed and preached to" during the incident.

Mrs Prigg she decided to contact a local coordinator for Prevent - the government's 'counter-terrorism' strategy - to report what had happened.

Legal representatives from the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting Mrs Powell, say she was sacked "because her views are Christian".

Barrister, Andrea Williams said: "We are seeing a worrying trend of cases such as this.

"The fact that Svetlana was reported to Prevent for holding Christian views is a sign of our times.

"It shows how Prevent will be used to punish innocent and soft targets.

"A radical rethink is required".

Premier has contacted T2 Academy for a comment.

The case continues.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate