A deliberate pupil strike in Melbourne to assist Palestinians subsequent week has drawn swift criticism from state and federal opposition MPs who argue college students shouldn’t be used as “political pawns” within the Israel-Gaza battle.
Free Palestine Melbourne posted particulars of the scholar walkout, organised by College College students For Palestine, on the group’s social media feeds on Monday afternoon, prompting a press release from federal Training Minister Jason Clare that youngsters ought to be in school throughout college hours.
Free Palestine Melbourne posted particulars of a pupil strike for Palestine deliberate for subsequent week.Credit score: Fb
The group mentioned the walkout would start at 12.30pm – college lunchtime – on Thursday, November 23, adopted by a protest within the CBD at 1.30pm.
One of many college students concerned within the occasion advised The Age through e-mail that teams of pupil activists have been selling the strike in a lot of inner-city faculties, together with Princes Hill, Fitzroy Excessive, Brunswick Secondary and Thornbury Excessive. She mentioned college students from throughout the state had additionally registered curiosity.
“We’ve been impressed by college walkouts within the US and UK, and we wish to make our voices heard. It’s essential to indicate that there are tens of millions who stand with Palestine,” the scholar mentioned.
“Not all college principals have been joyful to see us organising a walkout, however we’ve been getting some fairly unbelievable assist from academics and fogeys.”
Victorian shadow minister for schooling Jess Wilson and federal shadow schooling minister Sarah Henderson urged state and federal governments to make it clear to varsities and college students that attendance on the rally wouldn’t be an accepted absence, and requested them to sentence the occasion.
“College students shouldn’t be used as political pawns by any group,” Henderson mentioned.