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Question and Answer Tracking Details

2498 - Education and Early Learning - PALESTINIAN STUDENTS IN NEW SOUTH WALES SCHOOLS

Boyd, Abigail to the Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, and Minister for Natural Resources representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney
PALESTINIAN STUDENTS IN NSW SCHOOLS

(1) Are Palestinian students able to nominate their nationality as Palestinian on the NSW Department of Education student enrolment forms at all schools?

(2) How many disciplinary actions have been taken against students for wearing a Palestinian flag insignia as part of their uniform?

(3) Are students permitted to wear a Keffiyeh or other Palestinian cultural items with their school uniform?

(a) Are Palestinian students permitted to wear a keffiyeh or other Palestinian cultural items on days which other students are permitted to wear cultural items representing their cultural background, such as on "Harmony Day"?
Answer -

(1) The Application to Enrol in a NSW Government School (paper and online) form does not ask for information about a student's nationality.

(2) The Department of Education does not keep data on instances of breach of school uniform. Students are expected to follow the Behaviour Code for Students to 'meet the school's agreed uniform policy or dress code'.

(3) Community consultation processes inform school uniform attire decisions. The chosen uniform must comply with the department's procedure which includes health and safety requirements, anti-discrimination legislation and considers the diverse nature of a school's student population.

(a) Schools may allow students to wear something other than their uniform on a special day, such as Harmony Day. The School Uniform Guidelines Checklist provides some considerations for principals when communicating suitability of clothing choices for students and their families when participating in Harmony Day celebrations. This can include closed in shoes for practical work classrooms, sun protection wear, such as a wide brimmed hat, or ensuring no offensive language or slogans on clothing. Principals make decisions about the most appropriate ways to build understanding of cultural diversity, different perspectives and foster harmony within their local context. Harmony Day provides one opportunity for schools to build intercultural understanding, respect and trust within their school community. Some schools promote wearing orange during Harmony Day.

Question asked on 26 June 2024 (session 58-1) and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 281
Answer received on 17 July 2024 and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 296

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.