Public schools are being asked to do more with the same resources. They are asked to take on the most challenging educational task - providing an education to all children, no matter what their creed or ability - and are vilified for it.
The standing of public schools is constantly undermined by insidious propaganda from the religious right. That propaganda is implicitly endorsed by politicians, when they really ought to be defending and improving the public system.
This debate should not be misrepresented as being about secularism versus religion; it’s about ensuring that every child, no matter what their background, can go to a good school. Nor is this debate about “choice”: It’s about ensuring that those who can’t afford to choose can still get a good education.
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We live in a world of rising inequality. Our public school system has never been more important, and never more undervalued. It deserves more funding, and governments should be prepared to stand up to the heavy-handed tactics of the religious school lobby.
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About the Author
John Kaye is Greens member of the NSW Legislative Council. He is a passionate defender of public education, a campaigner for environmental protection and a staunch opponent of privatisation. Before entering politics John worked for 20 years as a university researcher and lecturer in electrical engineering where he focused on clean energy solutions to greenhouse. He is a proud member of his union. John Kaye's home page is here.