Issue – Child discrimination in schools
In general, Australia is strictly against discrimination whether it is on any basis of sex, race, gender identity, political or religious belief and impairment. For this, Australia has signed international agreements in many areas like the Optional Covenant to the International Covenant on the Civil and Political Rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child and even has joined hands with the UNICEF. But still, discrimination is familiar in the schools of Australia.
The Equal Opportunity Act prohibits any kind of direct as well as indirect discrimination in Australia. Some Australian schools directly discriminate between the pupils as they offer secretarial studies, hairdressing courses and home economics only to girls and carpentry, computer and photography only for boys. The Christian Family Schools Association in Australia approved concessions on transport which is an indirect discrimination against children who are educated at home because of their father’s religious belief.
In Girton Grammar School Ld, a boy was suspended from school for a simple reason that he refused to comply with the School’s uniform policy. The policy stated that the male students should have hairs not longer than the collar length but the same did not apply to girls. The Victorian Equal Opportunity Board confirmed that the boy was discriminated and on appeal, the higher court upheld the decision. There are many instances where the school policies were challenged on wearing jewelries with religious symbols and hair length for boys and girls in schools.
A student in an elite nongovernmental school situated in Melbourne, sued the school management alleging that he was discriminated in the school on the basis of his sexuality. The staff of the school used to separate him saying that he had devil in him. He was also bullied by his classmates, which increased to an extent where the principal suggested him to hide his sexuality.
Schools are completely responsible for their acts of discrimination but are also liable for their staff such as teachers, welfare officers, school counselors, sports instructors and general staff. It is truly unlawful to victimize children who has or is likely to become a victim of discrimination.
