SIR — Re the report 'School answers banned teachers' criticisms' (Free Press July 1), I write in support of Paul Rushforth and Tony Bailey. I think that Stephen Parnell is trying to detract attention from his unacceptable behaviour. As a black person living and working in this area, I am disgusted that a teacher in a position of responsibility should abuse his position in this way. I agree with Mr Rushforth when he says that those who think this was simply a matter of a teacher listening and telling a few dodgy jokes would do well to consider why an independent jury of his peers would take such a drastic step as barring him from teaching for two years. I am thankful that he will no longer be able to impress his bigoted racist views on impressionable young people and as for supporters of Stephen Parnell who think that 'nigger' and 'paki' are terms of endearment, they also need to think again as they are sadly mistaken. I would like to thank Tony Bailey for doing the decent and right thing. Gloria Lawrence, Hopcott Terrace, Alcombe.
