Teacher appeals sacking over student pronouns refusal

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 18:03 · Archive

Maths teacher Kevin Lister is appealing his dismissal from New College Swindon for refusing to use a student's preferred pronouns.

Maths teacher Kevin Lister was dismissed from New College Swindon in September 2022 for gross misconduct after refusing to use a biologically female student's preferred male name and pronouns in class. A Bristol employment tribunal concluded in 2024 that he was not unfairly sacked or discriminated against. Lister is now appealing that decision at an employment appeal tribunal in London.

When asked to refer to the 17-year-old pupil by their chosen pronouns, Lister instead gestured at the student and wrote their birth name on the classroom whiteboard. The college's representative said he also told the student they should not burden the NHS during the pandemic and suggested they enter an all-female maths competition.

Lister's representative argued that the college's gender reassignment policy required him to "socially transition" the student, which conflicted with his gender critical beliefs. She said the policy had a "coercive" effect and that Lister had raised safeguarding concerns. The college's representative countered that the policy sought to change behaviour and speech rather than belief, and that Lister's conduct amounted to bullying and harassment. She said Lister did not seek assistance from the school but simply refused to comply with the student's request.

How it is being reported

• Gender critical teacher 'could have shown respect'A hearing is told Kevin Lister felt his college had an 'intimidating' culture on the subject.BBC Wiltshire · 21 Oct, 17:47
• Sacked teacher urged to 'respect' transgender pupil was at 'risk of persecution'A Swindon teacher sacked for refusing to use a transgender student’s chosen name and pronouns is awaiting the outcome of his legal appeal.Swindon Advertiser · 21 Oct, 16:20
• Teacher 'protected' pupil by rejecting pronounsKevin Lister refused to address a transgender pupil by their preferred name and pronouns in class.BBC Wiltshire · 20 Oct, 18:53
• Teacher claims he was sacked for refusing to ‘socially transition’ studentA teacher sacked for refusing to use a student’s chosen name and pronouns said his college was requiring him to “socially transition” the student, a tribunal has heard.Swindon Advertiser · 20 Oct, 18:48

In this story: Kevin Lister · New College Swindon · Swindon · Bristol · London

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