Allegations of Sexual Abuse
	False Allegations
	John Edgar case
	The Nelson Mail April 30 1998 Perspective needed It is entirely understandable that former primary teacher John Timothy Edgar has warned other men about entering the profession. Dr Edgar, reputedly a brilliant teacher, lost his career when allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him by a group of pupils. This week he was cleared on eight counts of indecency. The verdict, he said, was a victory for all male teachers and he urged those already in the profession to get out, and those contemplating becoming teachers to choose another job. It is advice given in the heat of the moment, and it should be regarded in that light. It is a regrettable fact that the culture of political correctness which permeates the New Zealand education system has created a climate of suspicion and intolerance that can lead to allegations being made through misunderstanding rather than malice, and to unduly heavy-handed responses. But it is also true that misconduct is alleged comparatively rarely. Primary schools need male teachers, especially in areas where there are many solo parent families with children who don't have an appropriate male role model. The way forward is not to scare men away from teaching. It is for teachers to have full training in how to avoid situations which might lead to false accusations, for schools to have clear, unambiguous rules of conduct for all teachers, and for investigations to be thorough and balanced.