Letter: Woodhead's future
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I was profoundly shocked to read of Chris Woodhead's suggestion that a relationship between a teacher and a sixth former should not necessarily lead to the teacher's dismissal.
The requisite secrecy and lies of such an affair cause unquestionable emotional damage, such as an inability to trust or to build a more conventional relationship. I know because several years ago I saw a classmate suffer in such a situation. I fear she will never be able to sustain a balanced, loving relationship due to one of a minority who believe themselves above the moral code of the teaching profession.
This profession relies on trust and authority to function, and to allow one who abuses this tacit contract between parents and teachers to remain within teaching is unthinkable. Teacher-pupil relationships rarely have anything to do with the love and care of another person; more often they concern selfishness, insecurity and power. To my mind it would be extremely dangerous to convey the message that such relationships are acceptable, especially within institutions that are supposed to protect young people, not prey upon them.
E J GRAFTON
Durham
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments