Eton was right to sack teacher Will Knowland

Last week Eton College made the controversial decision to sack an English teacher after he refused to take down his YouTube video entitled ‘The Patriarchy Paradox’. In the 30-minute lecture, Will Knowland argues that the patriarchy results from biological differences rather than social constructs and that the system benefits women.

Eton’s decision is not, as many people would argue, an attack on free speech and fundamental liberties. It is an attack on foolishness.

If Knowland’s intention had been to encourage healthy academic debate, then there are many other outlets he could have chosen: an assembly, a debate, or one of his English lessons. Putting up a YouTube video in which he made contentious statements, often without evidence, and then refused to take it down (despite being asked to, apparently multiple times) is not bravery; it is self-serving and self-sacrificing.

Eton is right to err on the side of caution. In many ways, Knowland forced the headmaster’s hand; if Simon Henderson did nothing, the school could be open to an investigation from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.