Pronoun problems

British math tutor faces disciplinary hearing after 'misgendering' student

Pronoun problems
A British math tutor found himself in the hot seat recently after using the wrong pronoun when referring to a student. SeDmi/Shutterstock

OXFORDSHIRE, U.K. — A British math tutor who is also a pastor found himself in the hot seat recently after using the wrong pronoun, according to the Daily Mail.

Joshua Sutcliffe, 27, said, “Well done, girls” to a teenager and a friend at a school, but the “girl” actually identifies as a boy.

Sutcliffe apologized but he was later suspended after the student’s mother made a complaint. The tutor must now attend a disciplinary hearing to face misconduct charges for “misgendering.”

He is also accused of breaching equality policies by referring to the pupil by name, rather than “he” or “him.”

While Sutcliffe said he was given no official instructions about how to address the student, he admitted, as a Christian, he had avoided using male pronouns.

“I had always tried to respect the pupil and keep a professional attitude as well as my integrity, but it seemed to me that the school was trying to force me to adhere to its liberal, Leftish agenda.” 

 

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