‘Not a place for political activism’: Education minister slams teachers for pro-Palestinian stance

NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car has criticised teachers for displaying pro-Palestinian signs and wearing keffiyeh scarves at public schools, saying classrooms “are not places for political activism”.

Car said she was “very disappointed” with the NSW Teachers’ Federation after its state council this week passed a motion supporting the right of members to wear the Palestinian scarf at work.

NSW Education Minister Prue Car has criticised the NSW Teachers’ Federation for backing a push for teachers to support Palestine in schools.Credit: AAP

The motion, posted online by the Teachers and School Staff for Palestine group, said teachers could “proudly and safely wear keffiyeh to work with the backing of the NSW Teachers’ Federation”, and called on members to “take photos at work ... wearing keffiyeh or with signs calling to end the siege and bombing of Gaza”.

“If any principal tries to stop you, get the NSWTF to speak to your principal,” the group advised its members.

The group has posted a number of photos of teachers expressing support for Palestine, including the signs bearing the phrase “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, a loaded statement which is interpreted, variously, either as an antisemitic slur or a call for democratic representation for Palestinians.

Car, the state’s education minister, was asked about teachers displaying pro-Palestinian banners in schools in Parliament on Thursday, saying it was “inappropriate” and that “people will be dealt with” if they breached department’s code of conduct.

“We have made it very, very, clear as a government what our expectations of teachers in our schools, our wonderful teachers, is – that we rely on them to be impartial in the classroom. We rely on them to ensure that classrooms are not places for political activism,” she said.

“That is why I’m very disappointed with the Teachers’ Federation. In this instance, I’ve made that very clear. You do not want classes, classrooms, to be places where political activity takes place.

“That is not what schools are for. We cannot have any actions that provoke unrest, discomfort, or make other students feel unsafe or unwelcome.”

At its State Council meeting on Tuesday the Teachers’ Federation voted to bolster the contingent of educators attending weekly Protest for Gaza marches, and assert the right of members to wear the keffiyeh at work.

It called for a review of the code of conduct, which states that teachers must not participate in political activities while on duty.

In response to the union vote, a spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education reminded staff of their obligations under its code.

“Teachers are expected to be politically neutral during class, on school grounds or anytime they identify themselves as a NSW public school teacher,” the spokesman said.

“We provide clear guidance around this for all our employees in our Code of Conduct.”

Under Department of Education code of conduct rules, employees must ensure that their personal views do not interfere or override the performance of their duties or department or government policy and decisions.

“It is important to retain public confidence in public education and ensure the department remains apolitical and professional,” the policy states.

The crackdown appeared to have little effect on the group, which said it would host an event next Wednesday called “Organising for Palestine in our schools: Why teachers can’t be ‘neutral’” at Bankstown Arts Centre.

The three speakers include a primary school teacher, a maths teacher and a 16-year-old high school student.

Despite the criticism, the NSW Teachers’ Federation backed the in-school activism, saying in a statement that teachers “must be afforded the professional respect to dress as they so choose. This includes those that choose to wear a keffiyeh or kippah”.

“Teachers understand their duty of care to their students. Often, students raise with their teachers issues they find concerning as means to seek clarity and/or help,” a union spokesperson said.

“This includes students raising matters related to the conflict in the Middle East. In such circumstances, teachers do what they have always done; deal with these matters as professionals and in a caring way. Teachers are experienced in this and always do so empathetically.”

Car was asked about the pro-Palestinian activism by teachers by the Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane in Parliament on Thursday. Sloane said parents were “sick and tired” of unions “abusing their power”.

“The Teachers’ Federation needs to stop its continued focus on ideology over education,” she said.

“When we send our kids to school we expect them to be focused on reading and writing, not rhetoric. Teachers should be free to express their personal views in their own time, but it’s important that students of all faiths and backgrounds are not made to feel fearful in their own school.”

The Teachers’ Federation has been contacted for comment.

Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.