An Islamic religious education provider says it has “nothing to hide” from a State Government audit of prayer groups in public schools.
Premier Mike Baird announced the audit of all religious groups after a student at Epping Boys High School was investigated by counterterrorism police over allegations radical Islam was being preached in the schoolyard.
The Bankstown-based Islamic Charity Projects Association says it provides “pure Islamic teachings” to schools.
“The ICPA has a golden history of achievements in Australia, has nothing to hide or worry about,” a spokesman said. “The ICPA is an advocate of peace and harmony and has pioneered since its inception the promotion of this particular theme in Australia.”
The spokesman said the association was “renowned for its peaceful progress and open communication with the wider Australian community”.
An audit could weed out troublemakers in schools, but should be handled in the “utmost ethical way in order to avoid any misconceptions or backlashes”.
The spokesman also wanted a “fair process” for the audit of prayer groups.
Lakemba state Labor MP and former Punchbowl Boys High School principal Jihad Dib said more detail was needed on how the audit would be conducted.
“Let’s make sure that we keep this in perspective. I am interested to learn more about how the government might conduct the ‘audit’,” Mr Dib said.
“I am hopeful that the process will involve well-informed people with a deep understanding of the complexity of schools, communities, youth and religion.”
The audit is in response to concerns about students potentially being exposed to violent extremist ideologies.
“Our schools should be, and are, havens of tolerance, places where students can explore the reaches of imagination and knowledge,” Mr Baird said.
“We will never allow them to become the setting for extremist ideologies.”
NEW GUIDELINES FOR PRINCIPALS:
- Report their concerns immediately to the Safety and Security Directorate. All reported incidents will be investigated by police to determine an appropriate response
- Report this notification to Public Schools NSW director
- Call 000 in situations where a life is in danger or a crime is taking place