Parents outraged at sexist article published in Brighton school’s newsletter

A SEXIST article in a Brighton school newsletter, which advises women to keep a close watch on their husbands, has infuriated parents.

Sexist views in school newsletter not welcomed

A “SEXIST” article in a Brighton school newsletter has infuriated parents.

One St James Catholic Primary School parent has branded the article published by their parish priest, which advises women to keep a close watch on their husbands, sexist and misogynistic.

The August 7 newsletter includes an article submitted by Father Gerard Johnson .

Under the advice of the article published in school’s newsletter, reading erotic fiction like Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James would be considered taboo.

Originally written by iMOM Family First, it contains suggestions for wives like banning opposite-sex friendships, keeping a close eye on a husband’s secretaries or assistants, and avoiding “taboo” topics like sex around members of the opposite gender.

Spouses have the right to monitor each other’s social media and text messages, the article says.

And “no porn”, it states. “This goes for both partners and includes erotic fiction.”

The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said it was “outdated claptrap”.

“The article is clearly directed at women and accordingly denigrates us as being liars who spend too much money, undermine our husbands’ attempts to discipline, are disloyal and publicly enjoy criticising our husbands, talk about sex too much and flirt too often,” she said.

“Should such foolish discourse be placed in the school newsletter which is read by young impressionable students?”

“It has caused an uproar in our community.”

Father Gerard Johnson.

Father Johnson said he was “disappointed but fully understanding of the response from some families”.

“While I have had some positive feedback, it is far outweighed by those who have been upset by it,” Fr Johnson said.

“It was intended to be helpful, it clearly has not been.”

But he said he “utterly disagreed” that it was derogatory or sexist towards women.

“The points raised infer the total marriage relationship and does not single out husband or wife, apropos of the said article’s first two paragraphs,” he said.

St James Catholic Primary School deputy principal Pat Berlingeri said the school did not control that page of the newsletter and the parish priest had the final say about what was published in that section.

WOULD AN ARTICLE LIKE THIS IN YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL NEWSLETTER INFURIATE YOU? TELL US IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW.