BHA: Gove’s free school plan ‘highly concerning’

Government plans announced today which will massively deregulate state funded schools have been criticised by the British Humanist Association (BHA) for their potential to increase and permanently lock into the school system religious discrimination against pupils, teachers and parents.

Andrew Copson, BHA Chief Executive, stated, ‘It is highly concerning to us that so many of these new schools will be religious schools, especially in light of the government’s announcement that it will preserve in full the rights of these schools to discriminate against pupils, parents and teachers on the basis of religion. That this new government should not only preserve one of the most unpopular policies of the previous government but extend and worsen its negative impact is a betrayal of our children’s future.

‘The situation is even more alarming when we take into account the recent reassurance by government to religious lobbies that “faith schools” can enforce their religious ethos through compulsory worship and through the curriculum, as well as through discrimination. The state-funded education system should not be viewed or used as a vehicle for religious groups to promote their beliefs.’

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For more information contact Andrew Copson on 07534 248596.

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief. Committed to human rights, democracy, equality and mutual respect, the BHA works for an open and inclusive society with freedom of belief and speech.