Schhol Governor Update

[dave1948]

Recently I advised on this board an issue relating school governors and a comment which was perceived as racist.

I promised an update. Today I attended a meeting with the Headteacher and Chair of Governors. Sadly their intransigent approach meant that I was virtually forced to resign or in their words be subject to an enquiry by the Local Authority.

One word which I admit should not have been used (but certainly not intended as being racist) brings an end to four years of service and many hours spent working with children.

Don't let anyone tell you that volunteering is valued today.

[pusskin]

The world has gone crazy! That applies to some religions too !!!!! I give up.

[andres]

Dates back to the time when black slaves would hide in the woodpiles on a freight train with the intention of escaping .
Would it be ok to say --- 'a black man in a woodpile' or are we not allowed say 'black man'
I can see a time in the future when we will be born with 'zips' across our mouths. This politically correctness is bordering on the ludicrous.

[Svejk]

yes Patrick, it'll be all American aircrews using a bomb designed by Chuck Wallis. ;)
Once again, Dave, sorry about what happened to you and some of the witless answers you've had to endure on this thread. I suppose it takes all sorts. ;(

[sue11]

Hi Dave, seeing your update my thoughts are as my reply to your original post.
Your comments were not racist in my opinion, how could it be when this phrase relates to a situation and not to a person. Can I suggest that those who disagree read the definition of racist which is only applicable to a person, not a situation.
I think you have been the victim of power play and politics. As I stated before, you don't need this petty mindedness, especially as you have volunteered your services. Their loss, not yours.
All the best, please do not feel bad, you are better off out of it, I would not be surprised to hear that something much better is just around the corner, these things do usually work out for the best!
Sue

[THECORBYLOON]

SUE11 can I suggest that you look up the word in a dictionary and no doubt you will see that it is offensive.

[Mamyalynne]

Dave used a 'phrase' an outdated and undoubtedly ill chosen one, but a phrase - he did not sit there and say a taboo word in isolation with no context to the situation he was describing.

[naomi24]

As my dad would have said, "People can call me what they like as long as they don't call me too late for my dinner." 'Offence' is a word that trips very easily off the tongue these days. The 'touchy' need to get over themselves. They're creating more problems than they're solving.

[tamborine]

Your well out of the company of petty minds dave. Maybe Samb0, Miss coconut, man friday or mulatto will be appointed in your place. Even a pommie, honky, bubba, ferrangi or gringo might volunteer.

[sue11]

Corbyloon - 'can I suggest' Cringe!! Reading back my comments I sound so patronising! I was trying to be polite but it comes across really badly!
Yes I agree using the word n***er to describe another person is definitely offensive, but I was talking about the definition of the term racist when you apply it to the phrase that Dave used.
Many thanks
Sue

[chanel5]

I fully agree with all that has been said about the reaction to this phrase being out of proportion and over-played. However, I cannot understand why anyone in the present day should think they can say something like this. Surely we should have control over our own tongues?

[Mamyalynne]

Chanel, decent point you make, but I am sure that under pressure,excitement or stress we have all blurted something out then wished we hadn't.

An apology on the spot and a retraction in fair minded company should in those cases suffice.

[chanel5]

Yes, I take your point Mamyalynne, and I have the greatest sympathy for Dave's position, as I agree we have all probably said something that could be construed as offensive at some time. What I cannot agree with is the level of indignation over the fact that Dave has been asked to resign. There really could be no other outcome when you utter something like that. Learn a lesson, stop whingeing and move on.

[Mamyalynne]

I disagree, but that is exactly the route Dave has chosen - albeit they made it impossible to do otherwise.

This is an update as we asked for rather than a 'whinge'.