The education system in Ireland currently discriminates against pupils and teachers on the basis of their religious beliefs.
This discrimination is protected in current legislation.
This campaign 'Put Education First' is aimed at getting the government to change these laws.
The legislation that needs to be changed is:
- Section 7.3 (c) of the Equal Status Act 2000 allows schools to refuse students entry if "refusal is essential to maintain the ethos of the school".
- Section 37 of the Employment Equality Act allows favourable treatment on the religious ground to an employee or prospective employee.
The first allows schools to refuse children entry because of their parents religious beliefs, and can prevent children going to school in their own neighbourhoods.
The second enables schools to hire and fire teachers based on their religion.
We think it's important for children to mix, have teachers from a variety of backgrounds and for everyone to learn together.