BUZZ
Key Takeaways
- A British instructor was reported to the UK’s counter-terrorism program for showing videos of President Trump during a lesson on propaganda, leading to accusations of bias and potential emotional harm to students.
- The school's investigation followed complaints from two students who felt uncomfortable, resulting in concerns the instructor's actions could amount to a 'hate crime.'
- The teacher expressed distress over the allegations, stating it negatively impacted his mental and physical health, while the school maintained its commitment to safeguarding students without commenting on the specific case.
An instructor at a British advanced school was “referred to the [UK’s] counter-terrorism program” for showing videos of President Trump in class, including one of his inauguration.
According to The Telegraph, the Henley College politics teacher was “likened to a terrorist” and reported to the “local child safeguarding authority” for allegedly inflicting “emotional harm” on students.
Local child protection officials “suggested” the presentation of the videos “could amount to a ‘hate crime.’”
Henley College is a “sixth form school,” akin to a junior college that “offers over 60 high-achieving A Level and vocational diploma courses,” according to its website.
The incident, which occurred back in January but has just recently come to light, shows Henley began investigating the teacher for “bias” and “off-topic teaching” following complaints by two students, one of whom said he was made to “feel quite uncomfortable.”
An official Henley email accused the teacher of showing students “videos of Donald Trump, his campaign, propaganda and other videos which are unrelated to what is being taught.”
But according to the teacher, a lesson on propaganda was exactly the point. He said he also showed a Kamala Harris video in addition to videos of Trump supporter Rosanne Barr and Canadian “MAGA Rapper” Tom MacDonald.
In May, the official “in charge of investigating safeguarding concerns” concluded the teacher “could be perceived as radical,” and that the school “should complete a Prevent referral” — which can be submitted by anyone “concerned that they, or someone they know, is susceptible to radicalisation or might be at risk of becoming involved in terrorism or supporting terrorism.”
The official noted “There is concern that this behaviour could cause harm to a child, there could be a criminal offence from the views which could constitute a hate crime and it’s possible that his promoting of views could be radicalisation.”
After contacting the Free Speech Union, the teacher eventually was “given a written warning,” and later settled with Henley for £2,000, “effectively forcing him to resign.”
FSU Director Lord Young said “There is a clear-cut case of safeguarding protocols being weaponised to silence someone for political reasons.”
The teacher said “I felt completely insulted at the suggestion I was a danger to children. It impacted my mental health. I had to see a counsellor. It upset my physical health. It was absolutely appalling. It really overwhelmed me.”
Henley College refused comment on “individual allegations or ongoing investigations,” but noted it is “committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all our students and staff” and to following procedures of the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
Henley’s website — which says the school has “a zero tolerance policy to any form of bullying or discrimination” — notes it was recognized in 2015 as a “Leader in Diversity,” the “highest award” given by the National Centre for Diversity.
MORE: College student: ‘After terrorist attack I’ve learned Left’s more scared of Trump than ISIS’
