In education, we often speak about role models, guidance and people who inspire through their conduct. Sometimes, though, the public behaviour of certain figures serves as a reminder not of what leadership should be, but of how it can deteriorate when someone believes themselves above criticism.
That is exactly what we witnessed over the past two days through the interventions of the Organisation of Greek Secondary Education Teachers of Cyprus (OELMEK) president Demetris Taliadoros. His statements could easily be used as a case study in what public figures should avoid, especially an educator.
The sexist remark he made on Monday on ANT1’s lunchtime programme with Nikitas Kyriakou, saying that “a woman was found to change the legislation after 50 years,” sparked immediate backlash. What followed on Tuesday, however, revealed something more serious: a stubborn refusal to take responsibility and say a simple phrase: “Sorry, Madam Minister.”
On Alpha Kalimera he said that “if anyone was offended, it is withdrawn,” quickly adding that this “does not constitute an apology.”
On Politis 107.6 and 97.6 he insisted that “his comment was not sexist” and that “we need to look at the substance.”
Later, on Mera Mesimeri, he wondered whether the word “woman” has now been criminalised and whether saying the House president is an excellent woman politician could also be considered sexist.
These positions show not only a misunderstanding of what sexism is. They reveal a deeply unapologetic stance and an attempt to shift responsibility onto an “overreacting” society. The irony is that they come from someone whose primary identity is that of a teacher, someone who should understand these concepts, model behaviour and think before speaking.
The question he avoids
By refusing to give a clear apology, OELMEK's president forces the question that can no longer be ignored:
Can someone who refuses even the obvious continue representing 5,000 teachers, half of whom are women?
This is not an isolated issue. Mr Taliadoros is the same person who:
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In recent months repeatedly said that “the President of the Republic must rein in the Education Minister” and even that “a second minister must join the discussion.”
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Publicly accused MPs on the Education Committee of being “captured” by private interests, citing information from “someone on the fifth floor” of the ministry. He was asked to either speak clearly or apologise. He did neither, yet continues to attend sessions every Wednesday.
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Since 2012, when he was promoted to head teacher, has never been transferred outside the city, despite legislation requiring a mandatory two-year posting elsewhere. He has remained at the same school for 13 years. When the Educational Service Commission transferred him to Linopetra Lyceum in 2018, he was quickly moved back to Kykkos A’. To make this possible, four other head teachers had to be transferred. A mess was created, but pressure from the Presidential Palace and Disy ensured he stayed in Nicosia.
What it all reflects
Taken together, his latest remarks are not “an unfortunate slip of the tongue.” They are the final touch on a long-standing culture of arbitrariness, arrogance and refusal to be accountable.
And now the crucial question falls not on him, but on educators themselves. If his positions do not represent them, then OELMEK’s women and men should have immediately demanded two things: an apology and a resignation.
If, however, they agree with him or cannot understand why his comment was sexist, then the problem is far deeper. And it does not concern only the OELMEK president. It concerns the educational culture being shaped inside Cyprus classrooms.