Maharey must condemn Benson-Pope’s actions
National’s Education spokesman, Bill English, says the Education Minister’s failure to condemn the behaviour of David
Benson-Pope towards young teenage girls in his care is disgraceful.
“As Minister of Education, Steve Maharey should be the guardian of professional standards in our schools. His support
for Mr Benson-Pope shows total disdain for the standards parents have every right to expect.
“Even by standards of common decency Mr Benson-Pope’s actions were totally unacceptable.
“Parents need to have confidence that their children are safe in the care of their teachers – that confidence is
misplaced in an Education Minister willing to turn a blind eye to such grossly inappropriate behaviour from a teacher.
“Teachers, unions and the public are united in their condemnation of Mr Benson-Pope’s actions. Steve Maharey must join
with them and show he understands this kind of behaviour has no place in the classroom,” says Mr English.
Ends