New plans to keep a register of students who pray regularly in Sydney schools
New plans to keep a register of students who pray regularly in Sydney schools have drawn sharp criticism from Muslims and civil rights groups, saying the new plans threaten marginalizing the Muslim community as well as denying the student’s “safe spaces” to interrogate their views.
Troubles started after a New South Wales public school has floated plans to keep a register of students who pray together during breaks.
On the school’s own initiative, a letter was sent to parents at Marsden High school which cited a “federal government requirement” that a register of attendance be taken during prayer meetings and informal prayer groups.
Principals have also been issued with a memo outlining their obligations to report what they called extremist behaviour.
The new plans sparked worries of Muslim who contacted solicitor and community advocate Lydia Shelly to express their concerns about the audit.
