On Monday a new coalition is being launched to campaign for inclusive schools and an end to special arrangements for state funded religious schools. The British Humanist Association is a founder member.
The other members are: The Association of Teachers and Lecturers, Ekklesia, Hindu Academy, The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, The Socialist Education Association, and Women Against Fundamentalism.
Supporters of Accord include: Baroness Tessa Blackstone, Former Minister for Education, Reverend Jeremy Chadd, Anglican vicar, Rabbi David Goldberg OBE, Professor A.C. Grayling, Phillip Pullman, and Polly Toynbee.
The Chair of Accord is Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain MBE.
Accord believe all state-funded schools should:
1. Operate admissions policies that take no account of pupils’ – or their parents’ – religion or beliefs.
2. Operate recruitment and employment policies that do not discriminate on the grounds of religion or belief.
3. Follow an objective, fair and balanced syllabus for education about religious and non-religious beliefs – whether determined by their local authority or by any future national syllabus or curriculum for RE.
4. Be made accountable under a single inspection regime for RE, Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship.
5. Provide their pupils with inclusive, inspiring and stimulating assemblies in place of compulsory acts of worship.
Visit the website of the campaign at [[[[[[[[[[[[[www.accordcoalition.org.uk]]]]] to sign up for free to support the coalition, and register to get regular updates on the coalition’s campaigns.
You can also find out if there are plans for new religious schools or academies in your area and learn about how to start or join a local campaign.
The website also has a template letter so that you can write to your MP to let them know why you oppose religious discrimination in state schools. Be sure to include examples of your experience as a student, parent or teacher.