Authorities Failed to Protect Batley Teacher Forced Into Hiding: Watchdog Report
The social cohesion adviser has issued a warning about the prevalence of ‘freedom-restricting harassment,’ which is eroding democratic rights and freedoms.
According to a report, local agencies, including the police and Batley Multi Academy Trust, have failed to adequately support a religious studies (RS) teacher who was forced into hiding due to blasphemy accusations.
The RS teacher went into hiding in March 2021 after showing a caricature of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad during a lesson on British values, leading to protests outside Batley Grammar School in West Yorkshire.
The teacher has been in hiding for three years.
Not Treated as a Victim of Crime
Reported suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and experiencing distress and suicidal thoughts, the teacher’s trauma was exacerbated by the lack of support from local agencies.
Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing in an independent investigation two months later, the report highlighted that the teacher was not regarded as a crime victim and did not receive the support outlined in the Victims Code.
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“In failing to recognize the severity of the incident, the teacher was let down by all involved agencies, particularly Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Police, and the Batley Multi Academy Trust.”
Dame Sara, the government’s independent adviser for social cohesion and resilience, emphasized that agencies should have unequivocally stated that threats, harassment, and abuse would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“There was no clear condemnation of those engaging in such behavior, creating an intimidating and threatening atmosphere,” the report stated.
‘Disproportionate Concern’ About Offence
The report highlighted a “disproportionate concern” about not offending the religious sensitivities of those involved in intimidation and harassment, criticizing agencies for appeasing protesters to end protests at the expense of the teacher.
“This approach may undermine cohesion in the long run by appearing to appease and encourage those creating an intimidating environment to enforce their beliefs, regardless of others’ rights,” the report explained.
Additionally, the report mentioned instances of self-appointed “community faith leaders” interfering with teaching at schools in Batley, instilling a climate of fear.
The Khan Review indicated a broader cultural issue in the area that needs to be addressed.
The report also noted similar cases across the country where teaching staff faced freedom-restricting harassment.
‘Threatening Behaviour Is Taken Seriously’
A spokesperson from Batley Grammar School expressed disappointment with the report, stating that many aspects of it were unrecognizable and contained factual inaccuracies.
West Yorkshire Police acknowledged concerns raised in the report regarding their response to the incident, promising to review the recommendations with partner agencies.
The police assured that threatening behavior is treated seriously, and measures were implemented to handle the incident and its aftermath, including providing a personal contact officer for the teacher and conducting a thorough investigation.
The Epoch Times reached out to Kirklees Council for comment.
‘Freedom-Restricting Harassment’ Undermining Democratic Rights
The report, which includes a detailed victim case study, identifies the Batley teacher as a victim of “freedom-restricting harassment” that aims to make individuals or institutions self-censor out of fear.
The review states that this type of harassment is widespread and is corroding social cohesion and democratic rights and freedoms, with extreme harassment leading individuals to silence, self-censorship, or abandonment of their democratic rights.
Frequent incidents include doxxing, threats of violence, and incitement of hatred or violence against individuals, affecting individuals from various backgrounds.
According to the report, this issue is not limited to high-profile figures but impacts Britons across all walks of life, including journalists, educators, and civil society members.
3 in 4 Have Self-Censored
The report conducted an online poll revealing that 85 percent of the public believes freedom-restricting harassment occurs in the UK, with 60 percent considering it more severe than five years ago.
Over three-quarters (76 percent) admitted to self-censoring personal opinions in public due to fear of harassment.
The report underscores the importance of protecting freedom of expression without fear or self-censorship.
