Speech to the Senate on the Safe Schools Coalition program 160222

TL;DR

Senator criticizes Safe Schools for promoting social engineering and political agendas.

Transcript

senator Benari thank you madam acting deputy president tomorrow morning I'll be presenting a petition to the Senate which calls on the government and the Education Minister to remove all federal funding from the Safe Schools coalition program because it goes beyond education and a compel students into advocacy of a social engineering agenda... Read More

Key Insights

• The senator argues that the Safe Schools Coalition program goes beyond education, promoting a social engineering agenda that compels students into advocacy.
• A petition with 9,499 signatures calls for the removal of federal funding from the program, highlighting public concern over its content.
• The program's teaching materials are criticized for sexualizing young students and promoting a specific worldview, which some see as a form of bullying.
• Psychologists argue that while the program may help children with identity issues, it may not be appropriate for all children, especially at a young age.
• The senator criticizes the federal government for contributing $8 million to the program, arguing that schools should focus on core subjects like reading and math.
• The concept of heteronormativity is challenged, with the senator arguing that it unfairly denigrates the majority view and promotes a radical social agenda.
• The program is seen as part of a broader political agenda to change societal norms, particularly regarding family structures and capitalism.
• There is concern that the program may become mandatory in government schools, with pressure increasing on independent and religious schools to adopt its teachings.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main criticism of the Safe Schools Coalition program?

The main criticism of the Safe Schools Coalition program is that it goes beyond education by promoting a social engineering agenda that compels students into advocacy. The program is accused of sexualizing young students, promoting a specific worldview, and bullying students into conforming to its teachings. Critics argue that it indoctrinates students rather than focusing on core educational subjects.

Q: What public response has there been to the Safe Schools Coalition program?

A petition with 9,499 signatures has been presented, calling for the removal of federal funding from the Safe Schools Coalition program. This demonstrates significant public concern over the program's content and its perceived promotion of a social engineering agenda. The petition reflects a broader debate about the appropriateness of the program's teachings in schools.

Q: How do psychologists view the Safe Schools Coalition program?

Psychologists have mixed views on the Safe Schools Coalition program. While some argue that it may help children experiencing identity issues, others believe it is not appropriate for all children, particularly those as young as eleven. The program's focus on identity and sexuality is seen as potentially confusing or inappropriate for young students who may not be ready for such discussions.

Q: What financial support has the Safe Schools Coalition program received from the government?

The Safe Schools Coalition program has received $8 million in federal funding, initially supported by the Labour government in 2013 and continued under the current government. This financial support is criticized by those who believe that schools should prioritize core educational subjects like reading and math, rather than engaging in political or social advocacy.

Q: What is the senator's view on the concept of heteronormativity?

The senator challenges the concept of heteronormativity, arguing that it unfairly denigrates the majority view and promotes a radical social agenda. He believes that the program's teachings on heteronormativity seek to change societal norms and undermine traditional family structures, which he sees as an inappropriate focus for educational institutions.

Q: How does the senator view the broader political agenda of the Safe Schools Coalition?

The senator views the Safe Schools Coalition as part of a broader political agenda that seeks to change societal norms, particularly regarding family structures and capitalism. He believes the program aims to indoctrinate students and promote a radical social agenda that challenges traditional values, rather than focusing on education and the well-being of students.

Q: What concerns exist about the future implementation of the Safe Schools Coalition program?

There are concerns that the Safe Schools Coalition program may become mandatory in government schools by 2019, with increasing pressure on independent and religious schools to adopt its teachings. Critics worry that this could lead to a widespread imposition of the program's social and political agenda, potentially infringing on the values and beliefs of parents and school communities.

Q: What is the senator's stance on the role of schools in education?

The senator believes that schools should focus on teaching core subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic, rather than engaging in political or social advocacy. He argues that schools should be places of learning, not propaganda, and that children should not be enlisted as political activists. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining educational standards and respecting the values of parents and communities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Senator Bernardi criticizes the Safe Schools Coalition program for promoting a social engineering agenda that goes beyond education. He argues that the program sexualizes young students, promotes a specific worldview, and bullies students into advocacy. A petition with 9,499 signatures calls for the removal of federal funding from the program.

• The senator highlights concerns about the program's appropriateness for young children and criticizes the federal government's $8 million contribution. He argues that schools should focus on core subjects like reading and math, rather than promoting political agendas. The concept of heteronormativity is also challenged.

• The program is seen as part of a broader political agenda to change societal norms, particularly regarding family structures and capitalism. Concerns are raised about the potential for the program to become mandatory in government schools, with pressure increasing on independent and religious schools to adopt its teachings.