has been advised not to express political opinions on social media or in public which seems understandable at least
In what universe is that understandable? Does he have no rights or duties as a citizen? Has he been told how he is allowed to vote, as well?
Obey the law
Respect others with equality amongst men/women, religion and race
Perhaps we could get the government to reflect these lofty goals?
not a teacher but a children & family mental health nurse/practitioner- perhaps it is because I work with vulnerability, difference and so on but I am frequently asked by the more academic kids about my political views! I think this is about being extra-sure of not being judged perhaps? Obvs it shouldn't matter but if you are gay, African, Eastern European, trans, auty, unemployed etc maybe your understanding of what you read and hear from the media might make you more anxious about having a ukip supporter as your mh worker.
Standard response from me that 1) it shouldn't and doesn't matter, and 2) to direct them to the political compass website to plot themselves and their parents and then try and imagine the answers that someone who chooses to do my job might give.
When teaching controversial issues teachers should take three positions: their personal views, neutral chair, devil's advocate, depending on views being presented in the classroom. I don't think kids are easily gulled.
My A level economics teacher, then a Marxist, went on to teach William Hague, and then went on to teach at the LSE.
Stradling, Noctor and Baines' little book 'Teaching Controversial Issues' (now 1p on Amazon) deals with these issues brilliantly and it went on to form the basis of policy for the ILEA (before it was abolished by Thatcher).
