Religious diversity
Issues
From a very early age children can become members of or affiliated with a religious group because of their parents' commitments or decisions. They are introduced into that religious group's beliefs, norms and patterns of life. Conflict can occur for some students when they want to undertake a different religious or spiritual quest – which may also include a rebellion against any belief – to that of their family.
Some religious groups believe that theirs is the only true religion. This can lead to members of those religions being less accepting or tolerant of other belief systems. Members of these groups can be unwilling to find out about other belief systems. This situation sustains prejudices and stereotypical images.
In school communities discrimination and prejudice flourish when the interests
of minority religious groups are not incorporated into the curriculum and
whole school environment. Marginalising members of belief systems leads to
intolerance, hostility and tension.
Communities speak
"I go to a country school and most of the kids go
to the local church. These kids make fun of any of us other kids who go to
different churches or don't go at all. I think they
haven't got anything better to pick on - it's
like people will find anything that
is different and go for it."
"At other schools where the girls wear scarves on
their heads they are teased and the scarves are pulled off. My mum had heard
of
that happening and told me that it never happens
at this school and it hasn't."
"At our school we have all talked about all different
types of religion and this is great because my parents have always said that
it is
our choice what religion we wish to follow … but I know
it would blow
them away if I came home and
said I was becoming a Buddhist."
Challenges
School communities need to:
- develop awareness of the different religious groups within the community
- adopt a pluralist viewpoint that affirms the value of other religions
- establish links with different religious communities and their support material
- engage in dialogue between members of different religions and belief systems
- create opportunities to explore different religious traditions in their historical, cultural and contemporary contexts
- challenge stereotypes and behaviours that harass or discriminate (directly and indirectly) based on religion
- accommodate the diversity of spiritual needs and practices of their students.
Resources
-
Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy Support Materials: Challenging Racism
http://www.education.tas.gov.au/school/health/inclusive/
antidiscrimination/racism
Department of Education Tasmania.
Hobart: Department of Education Tasmania. Professional development materials to address issues of beliefs, attitudes and discrimination. Provides background and history, definitions, documents to support discussion, questions and answers, sample student learning experiences and a list of resources.
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