Anger over pupils' teacher-sex debate

Published on 29/03/2008 23:44

SCHOOL pupils were asked to debate if they should be allowed to have sex with their teachers, it was reported last night.

The topic was discussed as part of Edinburgh University Debates Union's (EUDU) schools contest.

Church leaders and politicians slammed the decision to ask pupils to debate the motion: "This house would allow students to have sex with their teachers."

At least one school complained about the appropriateness of the topic, forcing EUDU to issue an apology.

Peter Kearney, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, said: "It is a very sad sign of a dramatic fall in standards of morality that this sort of drivel is the best thing that Edinburgh's student debaters can come up with."

Labour's deputy leader, Cathy Jamieson added: "I am surprised the Debates Union thought this was a suitable topic. Breaches of trust by any professional working with young people is a serious matter and there should be no suggestion that sexual relationships between pupils and teachers is acceptable."

One woman – whose 16-year-old daughter took part in the contest – said: "When she told about the topic we had a debate of our own round the dinner table about it. She didn't feel too young to be discussing it but I can't see the generation before us having the same sort of attitude."

EUDU convener Ed James said: "This is a topic which has been debated in school debating societies for some time.

"We did receive a complaint about this topic from one school and an apology was immediately issued for any offence caused."