A teacher struck off for “misgendering” his student has won the right to appeal his lifetime ban on working with children, GB News can reveal.
Kevin Lister has been granted the right to appeal his teaching ban after enduring more than two years without paid work as a result of a teaching ban imposed upon him after he stood accused of “misgendering” a transgender pupil.
Lister told GB News he was “hopeful” about the case and said it could form part of a larger backlash against transgenderism.
“For the first time we can test in court whether the safeguarding process can have primacy over the transgender agenda,” he said.
Lister told GB News he was “hopeful” about the case
SUPPLIED
In the Disclosure and Barring Service’s decision to ban Lister from teaching, he was criticised for “putting safeguarding Student A above everything, even your own career” and it was implied that doing so “highlights your inability to empathise with Student A”.
The DBS recognised Lister’s good intentions toward the student: “You clearly show a lot of concern for Student A and believed you were acting in the best way for them” but accused Lister of treating his students with “a lack of dignity and respect” by refusing their chosen pronouns.
The decision read: “You pose a significant risk of emotional harm to children”, before banning the former teacher from “regulated activity” for life.
“For over two years I’ve been guilty of being a danger to children but have been unable to prove my innocence,” Lister said.
MORE LIKE THIS:
Lister hopes his right to free speech will eventually win out
GETTY
“This is something that affects everyone – it was the content of my Twitter feed the DBS are using to keep me on the barred list.”
Cases like Lister’s have raised questions over whether equalities legislation – seeking to protect the identities of protected groups have primacy over freedom of speech laws.
Lister hopes his right to free speech will eventually win out: “I can’t work, I can’t even get a van driving job. I certainly can’t teach. I’m pleased I’m finally getting this thing moving.”
“If there’s cause for optimism, it’s that the tide is turning. People are realising the absurdity of the trans movement and the horror it has caused to some young people.”
“Reality and common sense are beginning to take precedence.”
Lister has confirmed to the Upper Tribunal that he intends to push ahead with his appeal.