A TEACHER sacked by Calderdale Council for writing a “racy” novel pulled out of speaking at the council’s Readers’ and Writers’ Festival.
Leonora Rustamova, from Salendine Nook, withdrew from the event once it became clear the council would read out a disclaimer before her talk.
She had previously told the Examiner she could see how some people might think the council had “double standards” but had welcomed the opportunity to talk at event, due to be held last Wednesday.
Miss Rustamova, known as Miss Rusty, lost her job at Calder High School after the book Stop! Don’t Read This was published online. She had written it to encourage literacy among pupils.
But she was referred to the safeguarding authority to see whether she should be banned from working with children.
In March she lost her appeal and plans to appeal later this year.
She told the Examiner last month: “ I think it is a book that caused an awful lot of mixed feelings and this may just be a positive opportunity for people to come along and discuss it – there’s a lot of mystery around it.”
A spokesman for the council said: “The council invited Miss Rustamova to speak as part of the Festival and was happy to host the event.
“Because of the controversial nature of Miss Rustamova’s book, it would have been appropriate that a short disclaimer be read out before her talk.”
