Teacher who called homosexuals 'animals' says he has now changed his views

Razwan Faraz

A teacher who labelled homosexuals “animals” in a message shared in a Muslim Whatsapp group claims he has changed his views and is “not homophobic.”

Razwan Faraz, former deputy headteacher at Trojan-Horse linked Nansen Primary School, is accused of including an undue amount of religious influence at three Birmingham academies.

The one-time governor was giving evidence at a disciplinary hearing at the National College For Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) based in Coventry.

Mr Faraz was a member of a Whatsapp group called the Park View Educational Trust Brotherhood , which consisted of Muslim teachers and staff based at the Park View Academies.

Mr Andrew Colman, prosecuting on behalf of the NCTL, referred to messages which Mr Faraz posted on the Whatsapp group.

In a reference to homosexuality being taught in schools Mr Faraz labelled homosexuals “animals” then said: “As teachers we must be aware of combatting their satanic ways.”

Nansen Primary and Rockwood Academy – formerly known as Park View

Giving evidence Mr Faraz defended his comments saying he was brought up in a strict Muslim community in Pakistan but no longer held those views.

He said: “I am not homophobic. I have a gay friend who is an actor and a lesbian friend. I was brought up in a strict Muslim community in Pakistan. I realise those views I held and what I said was wrong.”

Mr Colman also asked Mr Faraz to comment on a Whatsapp message where he responded to an article which highlighted a government scheme helping former British soldiers in to teaching.

Mr Faraz had messaged: “So the government want killers to teach our children?”

At the hearing Mr Faraz claimed it was “a tongue in cheek comment.” He added: “It was pub talk - tongue in cheek. I have a teacher friend who was a soldier. But I admit it was a silly comment to make.”

Mr Colman also accused Mr Faraz of deceiving former counter terror chief Peter Clarke, who carried out the Trojan Horse inquiry.

He said Mr Faraz told Mr Clarke in an email that he knew nothing of the Whatsapp group set up by the Muslim staff, despite being a member.

Mr Faraz said: “Mr Clarke asked me about a Whatsapp group but never specifically mentioned the PVET Brotherhood which I was a member of. I thought he would have been specific.”

Mr Colman said: “This was total deception - you were dishonest.”

Mr Faraz is one of 10 teachers facing disciplinary hearings.