Rising from the many inquiries regarding the lawsuit against six schools religious policy, we would like to provide your with the schools point of view. The South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 (please see reference A below) in no way prohibits religious activities at public schools. The conditions of voluntary participation and non-discriminatory are applicable in this case. A:Freedom of conscience and religion at public schools Subject to the Constitution and any applicable provincial law, religious observances may be conducted at a public school under rules issued by the governing body if such observances are conducted on an equitable basis and such attendance by learners and members of staff is free and voluntary. The Governing Body of Oudtshoorn High School revised the schools religious policy in 2012 and the relevant section of this is also reproduced below (B): B: Oudtshoorn High Schools Religion Policy Article 7 of the South African Schools Act grants the governing body the authority to determine the rules in terms for observing religion. This authority is subject to the Constitution and any other applicable provincial legislation. Religous observance must be conducted on an equitable basis and attendance by learners and members of staff is free and voluntary. The Governing Body of Oudtshoorn High School has set the schools religious policy on the basis of the aforementioned South African Schools Act with due consideration to the schools religious composition and in implementation of the schools misison. We believe that our policy is in line with the South African Schools Act and that we do not discriminate nor compel learners to attend any of the activities. Parents are thoroughly aware of the schools Christian ethos, character and value system when parents apply that their children attend our school. As a result, the Governing Body has decided to oppose the court order. A representative of the Governing Body is attending a meeting in Johannesburg today during which this case will be discussed with FEDSAS and other partners. In the mean time, Oudtshoorn High School will maintain the status quo. We view this as an attack on freedom of religion and our democratic right to choose and express our religion. The honourable way would have been for objectors to speak to us first instead of immediately resorting to such aggressive measures. C.H. de Vos Principal Ska
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 12:05:37 +0000
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