government reform faith schools to ensure they cannot discriminate against pupils and teachers on religious grounds

I also heard this on PM, Radio 4. I've signed.

A message from Enlightened Observer to all members of Atheists of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on Atheist Nexus!

A new interfaith and rationalist coalition is suggesting that the government reform faith schools to ensure they cannot discriminate against pupils and teachers on religious grounds. They want a clear commitment to inclusive, community-wide education for all Britain's pupils.

The coalition includes a teaching union, religious groups, humanists, clergy, rabbis, academics and leading public figures is calling for fairer admissions policies in faith schools and equal employment rights for staff, regardless of their beliefs. It also wants to see a balanced curriculum, a consistent inspection regime and assemblies which reflect the true diversity of belief and culture.
As a fairly hard line Atheist, with no respect for anything supernatural, my inclination is to be skeptical about any group which includes people with "faith". However, as a pragmatist and realist, I must agree that this body is making reasonable demands and is likely to get wide support.

If you agree, go to:

http://www.accordcoalition.org.uk

and sign up.

Visit Atheists of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland at:
http://www.atheistnexus.org/groups/group/show?id=2182797%3AGroup%3A8715


In a pluralist, multi-cultural society, the state should promote tolerance and recognition of different values and beliefs. Given the dangers of segregation and the importance of community cohesion we need schools that welcome all and are committed to non-discrimination. Schools should promote a culture of questioning, of knowledge, of respect and of exploration of values, where students develop their own identities and sense of place in the world. We believe all state-funded schools should:

1. Operate admissions policies that take no account of pupils’ – or their parents’ – religion or beliefs.

2. Operate recruitment and employment policies that do not discriminate on the grounds of religion or belief.

3. Follow an objective, fair and balanced syllabus for education about religious and non-religious beliefs – whether determined by their local authority or by any future national syllabus or curriculum for RE.

4. Be made accountable under a single inspection regime for RE, Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship.

5. Provide their pupils with inclusive, inspiring and stimulating assemblies in place of compulsory acts of worship.

And we commit to work with each other locally and nationally to turn public support for inclusive education into a campaign for reform that the government cannot ignore.