Head accused of 'Islamophobia' wins £400,000 after being forced out by Muslim governors

The Daily Mail (U.K.) ^ | March19, 2009 | Andy Dolan, Matt Sandy and Nick Mcdermott

[Stoat]

A headmistress who was hounded out of her job after being falsely accused of racism was yesterday awarded more than £400,000 in compensation.

Erica Connor had run a 'happy and successful' primary school but was driven to a breakdown by the allegations.

The Daily Mail can reveal the school's troubles started when a local mosque decided to pack the governing body with Muslims.

Paul Martin - a Muslim convert - and Mumtaz Saleem began monopolising meetings with the aim of turning New Monument in Woking into an Islamic faith school.

(edit)

But when Mrs Connor resisted the new governors' plans - such as the introduction of Islamic worship into the school - she became the target of a smear campaign.

An anonymous petition was circulated among parents, stating that those signing 'no longer have confidence in Erica Connor to educate our children in a way that respects and values our faith, culture and heritage'.

An accompanying document accused the headmistress of 'racism and Islamophobia'.

The accusations drove her to suffer from depression.

 

[Stoat]

My apologies for the severe editing of the posted article....this was done in order to remain in compliance with Free Republic rules pertaining to the posting of articles from The Daily Mail.  Please click on the original article link to read the full story.

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Breakdown: Erica Connor claimed she was forced to retire through ill health after a campaign of harassment by some of the governors

 

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£400,000 for head forced out by Muslim governors in race row News

Outside court, Ms Connor said: "I finally feel vindicated in terms of the accusations of racism and Islamophobia against myself. I believe in equal opportunity. Every child has the right to achieve to their full potential, in an environment that celebrates diversity and respects the beliefs and culture of each individual."

The post traumatic stress disorder she suffered during her ordeal means she can no longer work again as a teacher. Ms Connor, who originally lived in Esher but has since moved to Wales, became head teacher in 1998 after four years as deputy head.

During her time as head until 2002 the Sats results "improved very considerably", said the judge. "She ran a happy and successful school where there were no real problems until 2003."

In his ruling, the judge said the council ignored her "health and welfare" because it was clear they were concerned about the reference to racism, and feared Mr Martin could complain to the CRE.

He described Ms Connor as "a most honest witness" and a "successful headmistress". But from 2003 the council failed to keep the activities of Mr Martin and Mr Saleem in check.

 

 

[Stoat]

Coming soon to the USA

[aquila48]

Yeah!! for Ms Connor.

[supremedoctrine]

Thank GOd there are a few WOMEN in the UK who have balls.
It’s hard to believe it got that far.
This is what happens when they’ve got you successfully intimidated. Worst of all are these native-born Brit
“converts to Islam” like “Paul Martin” of this story.
On top of going against his own culture and countrymen
and just acquiescing out of timidity or fear or sloth, he becomes a ringleader.

[Arthur McGowan]

To whom did this “Islamophobic” head used to be attached?

[Stoat]

Yeah!! for Ms Connor.

Although I agree that she finally has received justice,  I believe that the money will actually be paid by the British taxpayer, not by the individuals who caused her so much grief, which is quite unfortunate if true.  The various articles I've seen on this are unclear, but I believe that the individuals responsible will not be charged or fined in any way.

Head teacher who suffered stress from racism accusations wins £400,000 damages - Telegraph

"And these matters, together with poor response by the council, had as their effect two years of anxiety and low morale for the school staff, stress leading to a need for early retirement in some staff and Mrs Connor and disruption in the local community with, on the evidence, little, if anything, positive to show for it."

 

 

 

 

 

[SkipW]

Yup. Muslim scum doing what they do best. Old, tired, jaded and cowardly Europen nations, including Great Britain, just can’t wait to kiss Muslim butts in order to ward off the jihadist sword.

I think it is too late for that. Instead of sympathy for these cowards I feel contempt.

[Stoat]

Worst of all are these native-born Brit
“converts to Islam” like “Paul Martin” of this story.
 

I believe the same is true here in the USA, where the American-born muslim converts are oftentimes the most militant and shrill, with many being of particular concern to the FBI.  Adam Gadansk, the "American Taliban" of some note and "voice of al-Queda", is a prime example.

[rbg81]

I believe the same is true here in the USA, where the American-born muslim converts are oftentimes the most militant and shrill, ...

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Look out for this. I expect that more people who have become atheist or agnostic will become willing converts to Islam. People who believe in nothing are more easily swayed to a facist ideology (which is what Islam is) than those who believe in G-d.

[sinsofsolarempirefan]

The judge found in her favour, but you didn’t read that bit did you? The council ‘acquiesed’ because Woking has a large muslim population and they were sucking up to their most important voting demographic in that area. They were doing what politicians do best, clinging on to their power base as best as they think they can...