BHA responds to Ed Miliband’s comments on ‘faith’ schools

The new Labour leader Ed Miliband has expressed his support for inclusive schools in an interview with Radio 5 Live.

When asked about his views on ‘faith’ schools, Mr Miliband said ‘I think it is important for people of different backgrounds and faith groups to go to school together. Many faith schools do that.’

The BHA has welcomed Mr Miliband’s commitment to inclusive education, but has warned that he may be overestimating how inclusive ‘faith’ schools actually are.

BHA chief executive Andrew Copson commented:

‘We are pleased that Ed Miliband recognises the value in pupils of different backgrounds and beliefs going to school together. However, the reality is that the majority of ‘faith’ schools can discriminate against children on the basis of their parents’ beliefs. Study after study has shown that the admissions policies of ‘faith’ schools lead to segregation and division, along both religious and socio-economic lines.’

‘Despite the rhetoric of inclusion, religious authorities have fought every attempt to make the admissions policies of ‘faith’ schools fairer. The law should be changed so that all state-funded ‘faith’ schools have to follow the practices that some progressive ‘faith’ schools already do: the admission of children regardless of religion.’

NOTES

For further comment, contact Andrew Copson on 07534 248596.

For further information, contact BHA faith schools and education campaigns officer James Gray on 020 7462 4993.

The British Humanist Association is the national charity representing and supporting the interests of ethically concerned, non-religious people in the UK. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.