Muslim schooling

[relthereturn]

I read an article about the best ways to stop prejudices and stereotyping. They categorically found that increased contact on an equal level reduced prejudices. Surely the call from Muslim groups to have all Muslim children educated away from every other denomination within this country will surely increase misconceptions and prejudices between groups! Any thoughts?

[tartanwiz]

I tend to agree. Segregation will only keep people divided and distrustful of each other. Racism is most common in neighbourhoods where there is little integration. Sure, I can understand religious parents' concerns that their children may not be getting a proper moral upbringing. To us indigenous people of Britain, sexual freedom and self expression are part of our individual liberty. To devout muslims or other faiths, they are a sign of decadence or corruption. How do we chill them out without forcing our culture on them?

[monty0703]

Personally I believe that religion of any kind should be kept out of schools altogether and I agree that separate Muslim schools would no doubt increase prejudices. However, we already have children being segregated - most commonly Catholic schools. If religion was kept separate from education there would be no need for this discussion.

[tartanwiz]

Having read Monty's reasoning, I totally agree. Religion should be kept out of state schools, like they do in America.

[desertrat]

There should be no religious segregation in schools. My primary school some 30 odd years ago used to be a combined protestant and catholic with no real problems. When the number of children increased they built another annexe and made it exclusively for catholic children. Then the trouble really started. However, even though I am not religious. I do believe that religion should be discussed in school in order for children to understand the differences between religions.

[katie83]

i agree that religion should be taught in schools but not in separate religious schools as that increases ignorance and prejudice. we should learn about all major religions in school such as christianity, islam, sikhism etc. this would help people understand other cultures and beliefs which can't be a bad thing.

[ma]

Everyone has valid point so far in this discussion. But why draw the line now when it comes to separate Muslim schools? If it's gonna be the open education policy then abolish all those catholic and jewish and other schools too and let them all join the mainstream open education as so loved by us all liberals!! I personally think that it's not gonna make any difference if we have religeous schools or not. People in general need to educated in the way of tolerance and understanding. It's human nature that one is fearful and resentful of something that one can't or won't understand. As an election slogan: go forth and indulge in the sin of learning. If any party uses this in their campaign in future, remember I have a copy right on this. (c) ma MMIVVIX