A father-of-four, Martin Howard, found himself facing a criminal conviction after allegedly challenging what he perceives as ‘woke practices’ at his sons’ fee-paying boarding school.
The Boy’s Urinals Were Removed
According to Howard, urinals were removed last summer from all boys’ toilets at Sexey’s School in Bruton, Somerset, leaving only four cubicles for approximately 300 boys.
He believes this move is an attempt to create gender-neutral facilities.
Letters to the Head Teacher
Howard, whose sons are aged 15 and 12, claims to have repeatedly written to the head teacher expressing his concerns about the toilets and what he refers to as other ‘extremist actions.’
The Extremist Actions
These actions, as he describes, include the presence of rainbow flags in classrooms, inappropriate questionnaires regarding Year 7 pupils’ sexual activity, and an assembly drawing a comparison between all men and controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
A Government Debate Is Also Taking Place
The timing of this incident coincides with the imminent publication of the government’s guidance to schools, which seeks to address the ongoing debate surrounding transgender issues.
While the guidance is expected to state that pupils should not be allowed to use facilities designed for the opposite sex, clarity on “gender-neutral” toilets remains uncertain.
The Rules Are Not Clear
Feeling that his requests for clarification on the removal of urinals and exterior toilet doors were not adequately addressed, Howard visited the school last November to gather evidence.
He Made a Video Showing the School Toilets
Video footage recorded on his phone shows him inspecting four toilets after school, during which he was asked to leave by teachers.
He Was Charged
Several months later, two police officers arrived at his home and ordered him to the police station for questioning.
Subsequently, he was charged with causing nuisance or disturbance on school premises.
He Was Banned From School Grounds
Howard claims to have been banned from the school grounds for three months.
He Pleaded Not Guilty
On Wednesday, he appeared before Taunton Magistrates Court, representing himself, and pleaded not guilty.
He deemed the entire process a “waste of [his] and the court’s time” and asserted his implied right of access to the school as a parent.
An Investigation Will Be Carried Out
However, Magistrate Angela Brereton stated that the only issue to be determined was whether Howard was being a nuisance or creating a disturbance.
The magistrate questioned the permissibility of video recording in toilets, raising concerns about the presence of pupils during such recordings.
He Could Be Convicted
Released on unconditional bail, Howard is set to face trial in November. He may receive a criminal record and a fine of up to £500 if convicted.
He Was Shocked
Following his court appearance, Howard expressed shock at the progression of his case.
The School Is Trying to Hide Its Woke Policies
He believes that the school wants to keep parents uninformed and prevent them from challenging what he perceives as “woke policies.”
He intends to write to the school demanding compensation for his experience.
Trespassing Is Not a Criminal Offense
Section 547 of the Education Act 1996 criminalizes causing or permitting a nuisance or disturbance on school premises for individuals without legal permission to be there.
However, trespassing itself does not constitute a criminal offense.
Several Cases Are Unfolding
This case unfolds amidst the ongoing efforts of women’s rights campaigners, including renowned author JK Rowling, who strive to prevent public bodies and businesses from replacing separate male and female toilets with gender-neutral ones, citing concerns about safety and privacy.
Proposals for gender-neutral toilets have faced criticism across various institutions, ranging from the National Trust to UK theaters and even the Houses of Parliament.
The Fear of Gender-Neutral Toilets
Earlier this year, parents at Walsall Academy expressed fears about new gender-neutral toilets, which raised concerns about 11-year-olds sharing lavatories with 18-year-olds of the opposite gender.
Reports emerged of students recording each other in the toilets, while teenage girls refrained from drinking water to avoid using the facilities until they returned home.
Gender Neutral Toilets Are Ridiculous
Several social media users shared their thoughts on the incident.
One Twitter user wrote, “Teach them to [urinate] on the seat. Things will change. Trans men will make sure of it.”
Another user added, “Shouldn’t have gender-neutral toilets anyway. It’s ridiculous!”
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Source: Daily Mail
