Eton College, one of the UK's most prestigious independent schools, is reportedly in turmoil following the dismissal of an English teacher, Will Knowland. The decision has brought to a head a growing internal division over the institution's modernisation efforts under Headmaster Simon Henderson, with some critics alleging the school is heading in an 'aggressively woke' direction.
Mr Knowland's dismissal stems from his alleged refusal to remove a lecture video, titled 'The Patriarchy Complex', from his personal YouTube channel. The video, intended for the school's 'Perspectives' course which encourages critical thinking among older students, was uploaded to the school's intranet but never shown to pupils after a complaint from a fellow teacher. The school stated it sought legal advice and was informed the lecture breached equality legislation and other regulatory responsibilities. Despite requests and instructions, Mr Knowland reportedly declined to take the video down.
The 30-minute video, a polemic narrated by Mr Knowland, argues that biological differences dictate gender roles. It includes statements such as 'biologically speaking the idea that men exert power over women is nonsense' and 'male aggression is a biological fact', alongside controversial comments on rape. The video, which remains on Mr Knowland's YouTube channel, has since attracted over 76,000 views.
Headmaster Simon Henderson, appointed in 2015 as Eton's youngest ever head, has actively pursued a vision of modernising the school, making it more progressive, inclusive, and relevant. His initiatives have included discussions on wellbeing, mental health, emotional intelligence, and 'gender intelligence', incorporating LGBT awareness and talks by the founder of the Everyday Sexism project. However, this progressive agenda appears to have met significant resistance from a faction within the Eton community.
The current dispute has been framed by many as a battle for the 'soul of Eton', pitting proponents of free speech against those upholding internal discipline and equality guidelines. A petition protesting Mr Knowland's dismissal has gathered over 2,000 signatures, and a fighting fund has raised almost £55,000 to support his case should he appeal to an employment tribunal. This ongoing contention highlights the challenges of evolving a 580-year-old institution, known for educating 20 future prime ministers and charging annual fees of £42,500, in line with contemporary societal values.