ISA upholds the principle that no student, regardless of the school they attend, should be subject to unfair discrimination on any grounds, including sexuality or gender identity.
Independent Schools Australia (ISA) upholds the principle that no student, regardless of the school they attend, should be subject to unfair discrimination on any grounds, including sexuality or gender identity.
All schools are obliged to protect the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff members, and to ensure they are protected from bullying, unfair treatment or discrimination.
As the peak body for Independent schools, ISA maintains that legislation intended to protect the rights of faith-based schools to operate according to their faith must not diminish protection for students against discrimination.
Independent schools have diverse approaches to education and the philosophies that underpin them. This includes policies and views that relate to religious beliefs, sexuality and gender identity.
ISA Chief Executive Officer Ms Margery Evans said, “Opinions about the current debate on the religious discrimination Bill will vary widely – even between faith-based schools, which by no means is a homogenous group.
“Regardless of the range of views, all Independent schools set their own policies and codes of conduct in accordance with their philosophical ethos and legal obligations, and these will reflect a range of views,” she said.