Teacher Dismissed Over Alleged Homophobic Joke
A physics teacher at the prestigious Marlborough College took his own life after being dismissed from his post for allegedly making a joke about gay people during a school exchange trip. John Wright, 54, was found dead at an address in Marlborough, Wiltshire, on November 3.
Police confirmed they attended a "sudden death" and stated there were no suspicious circumstances. An inquest into his death was opened at Swindon and Wiltshire Coroner's Court on November 7, with a full hearing scheduled for a later date.
The Remark That Led to Dismissal
Mr Wright, who had taught at the college for a decade, was dismissed over the summer following an internal investigation into "inappropriate conduct". Reports indicate the conduct centred on a comment he made while on a trip with 29 pupils to Marlborough College's sister school in Malaysia, which also included a visit to Singapore.
According to the Daily Mail, one of the remarks that led to his dismissal was "No gum, no gays". This was an apparent reference to Singapore's ban on chewing gum and the illegality of homosexuality in Malaysia.
An insider described the teacher's comments as "just him being cheeky and silly", adding that "He was known for making flippant comments and would often do that in front of pupils and senior teachers."
College Offers Condolences Following Tragedy
Following an internal disciplinary hearing upon the group's return to the UK, Mr Wright was dismissed during the summer holidays. It is reported that his appeal against the decision was unsuccessful, and his family have since described the disciplinary process as "outrageous".
In a statement issued after Mr Wright's death, a spokesperson for Marlborough College said: "The College offers its heartfelt condolences to John Wright's family on his very sad passing. Our thoughts are with them, as well as John's friends and others in the Marlborough community who will have been affected. It would be inappropriate to comment further."
Marlborough College, where annual boarding fees are £61,809, counts the Princess of Wales among its notable alumni.
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