The Howard government in Australia has provided a generous funding at the state and federal levels for independent faith based schools.
Hence, there has been a surge in faith based schools in Australia.
But are such schools beneficial to the society or do they segregate people into a minority because of their faith? Independent faith schools tend to unite students from ethnic communities which in turn lead to religious segregation.
This gives rise to disintegration and social exclusiveness.
When this happens, the curriculum followed in the school comes under scrutiny.
Independent schools are exempted from following the state curriculum, and they, therefore, have their own curricula.
In addition, they are not liable under the different anti-discrimination laws pertaining to gender, religion, disabilities etc.
Hence, these schools can pay women less wages compared to men, or they can expel students with homosexual tendencies.
Students enrolled in such schools may grow up with single-minded thoughts and may face difficulty in adjusting with other students outside their community.
How will these students cope when they have to face wider social environment, different cultures or religions? Faith based schools tend to reinforce prejudice and intolerance.
Everyday we need to face innumerable challenges like rising poverty, starvation, or environmental crisis.
We require children with logical reasoning to solve these issues instead of making their decisions based on faith.
Independent faith based schools do not promote secular education.
A secular society and education inculcates an environment wherein children can interact with others from varied cultural, social, religious background.
This leads to the holistic development of the child which, in turn, fosters an open mindedness towards society and people.