Mark Walker, 36, is a former RAF weapons technician. He was suspended from Sunnydale Comprehensive, in Shildon, County Durham, pending an internal probe. He is a technology teacher, alleged to have accessed the BNP’s website during school hours.
Mark said:-
“I love teaching kids and I’m a very good teacher. I’ve worked at the school almost eight years and the governors know I’m dedicated and a very hard worker.
“I’ve taken the children away on trips and my political beliefs are no way in conflict with my professional role. I don’t preach politics at work.”
“I was stunned when I was hauled in before the head teacher.”
“She said she’d seen someone with my name standing for the BNP and asked if it was me. When I said it was, they went through my computer records.
“My suspension is an infringement of my human rights and on my right to freedom of speech. I shouldn’t be persecuted for having a certain political view.”
“However, I am prepared to sacrifice my career for what I believe in. I would stand up to machine gun fire to stand for the BNP. I believe in the party.”
Sue Byrne, head teacher at Sunnydale, said: “I can confirm that a member of staff has been suspended, without prejudice, by the school governing body pending inquiries into allegations of misuse of school equipment.”
Patrick Harrington, the General Secretary of the Solidarity Trade Union, was forthright in his defence of Mark Walker.
He said:- “Mark is a victim of the New McCarthyism that some are trying to impose on our Nation. Inconsistent application of rules is not Justice. Mark is being victimised because of his political beliefs. I am personally representing Mark because I believe he is a good teacher just trying to do his job. I will move heaven and earth for Mark. Hopefully good sense will prevail and he will be able to return to the work he loves. Our education system needs more people like Mark – not fewer.”
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