Many Religious Educators in Victoria are awaiting the outcome of deliberations by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Over past years there have been increasing concerns expressed by parents, educators, community organisations and the general public, about the way in which religious instruction is currently presented and administered in the majority of Victorian Government Primary Schools. These weekly sessions are officially known as SRI (Special Religious Instruction), but are often referred to as CRE, RE or RI. They are taken by volunteers.
Parents have taken the Education Department to court, claiming their children who do not attend these sessions, suffer discrimination. Their cause was publicized by the parents’ group, Fairness in Religions in School (FIRIS), which claims that SRI divides children and recommends that the current ‘Sunday School’ lessons be replaced by ‘culturally diverse and unbiased’ classes.
Organised by the Humanist Society of Victoria in response to the recent VCAT case*, a panel will provide information and canvas future options with ample audience discussion, and possibly with resolutions.
* The case of AITKEN AND OTHERS VS DEECD was heard during 1–9 March 2012, by the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
When: Sunday, 24 June 2012, 02:00pm – 05:00pm
Where: Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library Entry 3, La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Contact :
Contact: John Russell on telephone: 0407 314 558
Free Entry
