United Kingdom

The high school principal is under investigation for using the N-word

The student responded by saying, “Calling me is different,” to which Mr. Tomkins replied, “Well, yes, that’s right, but we have to ask ourselves, why is it different?” Just because of your color doesn’t mean the word isn’t inappropriate. “

A spokesman for the selective school for boys aged 11 to 18 said: “The recording of what was intended as a personal conversation was subsequently shared by the boy and published more widely in other countries.

They added: “It is a crime to make recorded conversations public or share them online without the consent of the participant, and we understand that the police will take appropriate action in this regard.

The alumni of Maidstone High School, founded in 1549, are known as the “Old Maidstones” and include Lord Beaching of East Grinstead, the man behind the cuts in British rail services in the 1960s, and James Hillier, the actor who appeared in The Cro on Netflix.

School principals defend the principal

Mark Rolfe, chairman of the school’s board, said that “any assumption that Mr Tomkins is a racist is completely untrue” and he was “extremely disappointed to find that a group of students have tried to tarnish the school’s reputation.” this way”.

Kent Police Inspector Steve Kent said: “On May 10, Kent Police was notified of a social media post that included a recording of a conversation between a staff member at a school in Maidstone and a student. The issue was reviewed and in this context the employees came to the conclusion that the employee had not committed a crime.

“The participant and another student who then shared it on social media received advice from a school official about the need to obtain a person’s permission before posting a personal interview online.”