Education group pushes for anti-discrimination framework in schools

 

Education group Architects of Diversity has submitted a memorandum to several opposition MPs on establishing a national framework for anti-discrimination in education and expanding its scope of misconduct to include discrimination cases, among other proposals.

The group noted in their memorandum that while Article 12(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution explicitly states that discrimination is intolerable in the administration of any educational institutions, there is still a lack of discrimination related laws and policies at the level of these institutions.

“The culture of discrimination needs to be addressed immediately as the effects discrimination has will be an obstacle to students’ self-development in the short and long term.

“Students who are discriminated against will be affected psychologically and socially in their daily lives.

“Over time, students will feel marginalised in the school environment, due to discrimination. This will affect academic performance and cut off students’ enthusiasm for self-development and school,” said the group.

Last December, Education Minister Mohd Radzi Jidin stated that the Education Ministry had drawn up a comprehensive framework to address bullying in schools. This framework is said to enforce greater accountability of schools and improve the punishment mechanism.

“Although bullying and discrimination are different phenomena, this move is welcome and more parties need to be involved to make it a success,” said the group on the proposed bullying framework.

Independent investigative body

Architects of Diversity said it had offered its expertise and support to the Education Ministry on building a complaints system.

Besides the anti-discrimination framework, the group is urging the government to act on the following:

• Discussing the establishment of a specific complaints mechanism for discrimination that is clearer in the education system

• Discussing the appropriate framework of action against those who practice discrimination in schools, including teacher and student administrators

• Establishing an independent investigative body that investigates cases in school areas, PTA boards, as well as the public service sector under the purview of the ministry

• Establishing an Education Ministry public ombudsman to investigate complaints related to the ministry

The education group submitted their anti-discrimination memorandum to lawmakers including Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, Batu MP P Prabakaran and Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah outside Parliament earlier today. - Mkini