We can relate says the NSWJBD
The Jewish community has rejected a claim by a university sociologist that the rise of faith-based schools is restricting the ability of students to relate to people of diverse backgrounds.
University of Technology Sydney Professor Andrew Jakubowicz says while public schools have had a role in allowing students of broad backgrounds to “operate quite comfortably in different cultural environments”, the proliferation of ethno-religious schools … has had social consequences”.
It may undermine the key planks of social cohesion, he said – intercultural competence, secularism and interactive learning.
Rejecting the assertion, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff said: “Jewish values as taught and practised in Jewish schools are consistent with the values of Australian society. They include the principles of a fair go for all and respect for others – values which strengthen the students’ identities, both as Australians and as members of the Jewish faith.
”The opportunity to attend a school based on one’s faith is a core democratic right which must be protected.
“At the same time, the Jewish Board of Deputies brings together Christian, Muslim and Jewish students from public and faith-based schools in interactive programs which foster mutual respect and understanding.”
In recent years, increased public funding to non-government schools has led to a sharp rise in the number of students attending private schools. Today, almost 40 per cent of students in Australia are enrolled in faith-based schools, including those of the Irish Catholic tradition, Greek Orthodox, Jewish and Islamic schools.
