In June 2019  John reported the concerns of a student over a racist incident in a classroom. The NEU have unanswered questions about the investigation of that incident.

When John returned to work after the summer holiday, he found himself under increasing scrutiny with criticism of his professionalism that became relentless. A  file was kept on him without his knowledge and against normal practice. He was criticised for legitimate Trade Union activity around Health and Safety and  the pandemic. This merciless attack culminated in him being charged with gross misconduct for making a genuine mistake. This mistake was made whilst John was working at home, in lockdown,  looking after his pre-school children whilst his wife worked in the NHS. It resulted in no detriment to any student at the College., The NEU asserts that there was no gross misconduct but the college have refused to remove that charge. The Exam Board have now seen the evidence presented by the union which was not presented at John's hearing and have removed their sanction.

In September the College sacked John. This was not as the result of any disciplinary process. John has been victimised.

This is an attack on John and an attack on the NEU who stand up repeatedly for workers' rights in the College and stand for equality and diversity.

. The NEU in College have an existing dispute around bullying in the college and have raised equality issues in that context. 

We call on the Shrewsbury Colleges group to:

Reinstate John Boken

Remove the claim of Gross Misconduct and the Sanction given to John

Further:

We call on all trades unionists and all our community to stand with John and stand with the NEU. By joining us on Saturday 20th November in The Quarry Shrewsbury from 12 noon.

Please contact Charles Thomas,  Shropshire District Secretary for further details. Charles.thomas@neu.org.uk