Nigel Studdart on Close Up A Whangarei teacher says he has been fired by a Catholic school because he stood up against the principal’s statement against marriage equality in the school’s newsletter. Nigel Studdart says the Board of Trustees supported Pompallier College principal Richard Stanton's statement, and last night fired him. He was initially stood down for supporting students who organised a Facebook group and silent rainbow wristband-wearing protest against the principal’s stance. “I will be in France for my son’s wedding this weekend and will consider next steps on my return next week both with regard to due process and the future,” Studdart says. “I slept well last night with a clear conscience and I will face my tomorrows in the knowledge that I could not in all conscience have acted any differently,” he adds. While he has been offering private tuition in science and chemistry, he says as he is no longer employed he will have to start charging, except for cases of financial hardship. “Thanks to all parents students and teachers who have stood by me in this,” he adds.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 20th September 2012 - 9:48am