
Student who posted ‘anti-gay’ messages launches appeal against University of Sheffield
He has challenged the High Court’s ruling that the university acted fairly and proportionally
University of Sheffield student Felix Ngole was permanently removed from his Social Work MA after writing "same sex marriage is a sin" on his Facebook page in 2015.
Following the post, an internal investigation resulted in Mr Ngole, 40, being removed from his course.
In 2017 the High Court ruled that the university had acted fairly and proportionately in their decision. At the time, Mr Ngole was granted permission to appeal and is now exercising his right to do so.
Mr Ngole said: “I pray that the court will recognise the freedom to express my Christian faith.
"It is chilling that we live in a society where you can share your beliefs on social media and yet you find yourself in trouble when certain people disagree with you.”
Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: "Free speech is not meaningfully free if it only applies to views that everyone finds acceptable, or only applies in private.
“Once again, the freedom to be a committed Christian while holding a professional role is under threat.
"From magistrates to nurses, teachers to doctors, Christian professionals are increasingly under pressure to hide away their beliefs – to hide away the light of Christ in them, depriving society of the love of Jesus."
The University of Sheffield have spoken to The Tab today and said: "This appeal follows the ruling by a Deputy High Court judge that the decision to exclude Mr Ngole from the MA Social Work course on the grounds of Fitness to Practise was lawful and proportionate.
"The University of Sheffield supports the right of students to hold and debate a wide range of views and beliefs.
"However, students studying on courses that lead to professional registration have additional responsibilities and universities are required to assess these in line with national professional guidelines."
Featured image credit: Felix Ngole on Facebook