A Chara, - The recent debate caused by the statement of Bishop Michael Smith regarding the ongoing sponsorship of those who don't "walk in the faith", serves to emphasise that access to primary school education should not be denied on grounds such as gender, race, colour, or religion. Unfortunately, many Dublin schools persist with a single sex admission policy.
The Dept of Education, National Parents Council, the INTO and most educationalists agree that co-education provides for the most holistic educational environment. Indeed it is a requirement that any new school should be co-educational.
Recently in North Dublin a number of adjacent single sex schools, representing more than 1200 primary school children were approached to consider the possibility of providing co-education. A majority of parents surveyed were in favour of the provision of co-education. The boards of management however rejected the proposal out of hand.
The heated debate regarding refugees has highlighted our propensity to be racist when threatened with the accommodation of people from other cultures. Are we to add also the label of being sexist when it comes to administering our schools? As we move forward in the 21st century, it is clear that we will need to be far more flexible in adapting to a changing society, and accepting differences in each other. - Is mise,
Marguerite O'Brien,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.