Barnet professor says school discriminated against his ‘Zionist beliefs’ after governor rejection

A veteran academic has accused a Barnet primary school of discrimination after his nomination to its governing body was rejected because of his publicly expressed support for Israel.

Professor Geoffery Alderman, 81, claims Sunnyfields Primary School in Hendon unlawfully discriminated against him on the basis of his “protected philosophical belief in Zionism” after governors voted against his appointment late last year.

Documents seen by Jewish News show Alderman was nominated in 2024 by the London Borough of Barnet to serve as a local authority governor. When a vacancy did not arise, the school instead considered him for a co-opted position – which was declined following a review of his social media and published writings.

In an email to Alderman at the time, the headteacher Lisa Meyer cited “extreme views” that she said were “not aligned with the school’s values”, referencing the Prevent duty and the requirement to promote fundamental British values.

Alderman, an emeritus professor of politics and history, lodged a formal complaint arguing that the decision was politically prejudiced. Both an independent investigation and a Stage 2 complaints committee later dismissed his case, finding “no evidence” of discrimination on the grounds of faith or disability and confirming that the school had acted within its legal powers.

In a statement issued to Jewish News, Alderman said the reports “failed to address discrimination on the basis of my protected philosophical belief in Zionism”, adding that the decision “appears discriminatory against me for having expressed my Zionist beliefs”.

“Belief is a protected characteristic,” he said. ‘My belief in Zionism is that Jewish self-determination requires a Jewish state; that Israel has the right to exist as a homeland for Jewish people; and that defending Israel, including against terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, is necessary to protect Jewish people globally.”

He said invoking the government’s anti-extremism duty in his case was “irrational and not justified”, calling it “frankly ludicrous” to suggest he might radicalise children.

“To apply Prevent in this way, casting my Zionist beliefs as ‘extremism’, is a gross misapplication of the duty and an abuse of public office,” he said.

A spokesperson for Sunnyfields Primary School told Jewish News: “As you are aware, the school followed all relevant procedures whilst undertaking this process.”

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “We are assured that the school followed all relevant procedures in relation to this process.”