Was my science teacher allowed to make this comment?

• I was 12 (I'm 16 now) and I was in a science lesson. I can't remember how the subject came about but one boy in my class said 'but sir, what about Adam and Eve?' he said it jokingly and he's not Christian. Anyway, my teacher goes 'Christianity is false, if it wasn't, that means we'd all have to be related to each other. Christians believe the Earth was made 4000 years ago which is completely ridiculous.' The class just laughed then. I felt quite embarassed, like he was mocking my religion but I never complained against him and neither did anyone else (I think I was probs the only Christian in the class.) I'm still not going to complain, I don't care about it anymore but I just wonder whether he is actually allowed to make a comment like that? Sure he's entitled to his opinion on religion but I don't think he should be allowed to make a comment like that. Anyone know?

• Answer:

  Hi, I've recently done teacher training (primary school) in the UK, (finished 2 years ago) and no - teachers aren't allowed to make comments like that. You're allowed to say "I believe... " but you're not allowed to say make definate statements like that about any religion. (I think the rules are different in faith schools.) I don't know what I would have done in your situation. Ideally, if I was brave enough, I'd have challenged the teacher there and then, or talked to them, or the head later on, although I think you'll just have to let it go now after 4 years. (If you are ever in the same situ, if you can force yourself, it would prob be good to try to do something - would probably help other Christian students in later years.) X God bless