A teacher's online outburst calling immigrants 'savage animals' and 'filth' has been cleared of causing racial intolerance, but he is still facing disciplinary action for breaching professional conduct rules. Adam Walker, a former technology teacher at Houghton Kepier Sports College in Houghton-le-Spring near Sunderland, was investigated by the General Teaching Council (GTC) over comments posted on an online forum using the pseudonym 'Corporal Fox'.
Walker's postings were made in February and March 2007, when he discussed the rise of the British National Party (BNP), which he claimed was due to its efforts to protect citizens from immigrants. He added that recent media coverage of crime committed by foreigners had left him 'disgusted'. The GTC disciplinary panel, comprising three members, acknowledged that Walker's comments contained offensive language and demonstrated views that could be considered racist.
However, the committee ruled that the postings did not demonstrate 'intolerance', as defined by the threshold of denying others the right to dissent. Chair Angela Stones explained that references to immigrants alone do not inherently suggest specific racial views, given that UK immigrants come from diverse backgrounds. Walker's trade union representative, Patrick Harrington of Solidarity – the Union for British Workers, defended his client, stating that he had not discussed his political views with pupils or staff and claimed his comments were influenced by media coverage.
Despite being cleared of racial intolerance, Walker faces sanction for using a school laptop for personal use during lessons. His union representative acknowledged that Walker's views 'lacked complexity and balance', but maintained that they did not reflect his professional conduct in the classroom.