Autistic teacher awarded £850,000 for discrimination in Brighton

Marcus Wright, a head of maths at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Brighton, was diagnosed with autism in 2017. Despite his dedication to teaching, he faced significant challenges at work, including a perceived lack of support from school leadership regarding his complaints about bullying and discrimination. After raising grievances about his treatment and a proposed demotion to a new role, he was suspended and subsequently dismissed. The tribunal found that his dismissal was unfair and discriminatory, highlighting that his behavior was influenced by his autism. The ruling emphasized the school's failure to consider the impact of his condition on his actions and the disproportionate response to his complaints. Ultimately, Mr. Wright was awarded £850,000 for the discrimination he faced, marking a significant legal victory for individuals with disabilities in the workplace.