The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has declined to hear teacher’s claim that he lost his job because he is an atheist.
A former art teacher at Tamaki College, Christopher Scott Roy claims he was constructively dismissed because he is an atheist, and the school saw Christianity as “a core responsibility to which he was indifferent”.
He resigned from the Auckland college in October 2010, and signed a full and final settlement which included a payment to him of $6500.
However, he claimed the agreement was made under duress, and that he was constructively and unjustifiably dismissed from his job.
The ERA said he evidence showed Mr Roy was forthright defending and complaining about his treatment by Tamaki College, and accessed legal advice and representation.
“The evidence does not indicate threats or loss of autonomy at the material time.”
Source