New faith schools coalition launched 'to bring an end to discrimination' » Education » 24dash.com

Accord, a new coalition campaigning for inclusive schools and an end to discriminatory special arrangements for state-funded faith schools, was launched today at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

The launch event drew together representatives from religious organisations, charities and teachers’ union ATL.

The founder members of the coalition and its Chair Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain united to rebut the claim that faith schools do not in fact discriminate. The launch comes on the day that a law has been brought in allowing religious schools further to restrict employment on the grounds of belief.

From today discrimination in staffing will be extended to headteachers in voluntary controlled schools and to non-teaching staff in voluntary aided schools. 

Speaking at the launch Accord Chair Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain said: “While the Faith Schools Providers Group claim that state-funded religious schools are not discriminatory, in reality they are allowed to choose both staff and students according to their beliefs.

"We want an educational system that respects all and disadvantages no one. Faith schools should be tolerant and transparent.”

Also speaking at the launch ATL Policy Advisor Alison Ryan said: “ATL is proud to be a founding member of this coalition. We hope that this group helps to move the debate beyond the unhelpful and increasingly entrenched pro or anti-faith schools positions which currently predominate and which are so limiting.”

Andrew Copson, British Humanist Association (BHA) Director of Education and Public Affairs, said: “The BHA has always approached the issue of faith schools from a human rights perspective.

"Along with other members of Accord we want all state schools to be open to children of different backgrounds so that they can learn with and from each other”

Simon Barrow, Co-Director of religion and society think tank could not attend due to ill health but in a message distributed to attendees said:
“If church schools are overwhelmingly funded by the general taxpayer, as they are, then the public as a whole have a reason to expect that they will be run for all by all.

"To reject discrimination and a narrow approach, to seek equal opportunities, and to be sensitive to those of other faiths and none, is no threat to a “Christian ethos”; it is its truest exemplification.”

Adam Hart-Davis, writer, broadcaster and high profile supporter of the coalition said: “While making documentaries about the history of world civilisations I have come to realise how cultures cross-fertilise each other, to the benefit of everyone.

"Similarly, children from different backgrounds work happily together if they are given the chance, but that opportunity is denied to them by some faith schools. I support Accord because inclusive schools allow children to come to their own decisions about the world.”