The British Humanist Association (BHA) has welcomed the launch of a new award by the Accord Coalition, which seeks to recognise those schools that do most to improve community cohesion and follow inclusive practices.
The Accord Coalition was set up in September 2008 and has launched its Accord Award to mark its first birthday. The BHA was a founding member of the organisation, which unites both religious and non-religious people who wish to see the state education sector become more inclusive and for the arrangements that allow faith schools to operate discriminatory practices to end. Any state funded school (including faith schools, community schools and academies) can be nominated for an award by parents, staff or governors.
The award judges will comprise of individuals from across the religion and belief spectrum, including Polly Toynbee, the President of the BHA. Polly Toynbee, said ’We need to celebrate schools that find ways to bring people together by promoting thought and ideas, encouraging debate across cultural barriers, opening minds and exploring beliefs with tolerance and imagination’.
Notes
1. Further details on the Accord Award can be found at www.accordcoalition.org.uk.
2. For further comment or information contact BHA Director of Education and Public Affairs, Andrew Copson, on 020 7079 3584 or 020 3675 0959.
3. The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief. It is the largest organisation in the UK working for a secular state.