Enoch Burke, a teacher at Wilson's Hospital School in County Westmeath, Ireland, has been officially dismissed from his position after an independent appeals panel upheld the school's decision to terminate his employment. The panel's ruling, confirmed on May 22, 2026, marks the end of a long-running dispute that began in 2022.
The controversy started when Burke refused to address a transgender student by their preferred name and pronouns, citing his religious beliefs. The school suspended him, and he was later dismissed for gross misconduct after failing to comply with school policies. Burke challenged the dismissal through internal appeals, but the panel found the school's actions were justified.
Burke, a former teacher of history and German, has been involved in multiple legal battles, including a previous case where he was jailed for contempt of court after refusing to stay away from the school. The appeals panel's decision is final, and Burke is no longer employed by the school.
