A question

Submitted by Andria Spindel (United States), Mar 30, 2005 at 22:48

Is it possible to have a systematic review of all non secular schools, in any North American community? What steps would have to be taken and what impact would this review have on schools, in addition to Islamic ones -- ie Christian, Jewish and private schools?

The whole idea of private schools is that they are not accountable for all of their curriculum and activities; hence not all get accreditation or offer government based curricula though they must if they want to be recognized and parents should expect that. However, some in Ontario, for example, choose not to administer some government exams; nothing to do with religion.

If all schools were annually visited, would all sectarian schools comply? I ask this so as not to start a fight in many constituencies but to consider how to develop a strategy around this. I have long assumed that hate is being taught in our very midst. However, I a woman, Jewish and white, would not be invited to visit a mosque, chat about theology or check their teachings. How would anyone do that? How can we not do that? Would we want to "licence" all institutions and hold them accountable? We do that with financial reports, but not ethical reports. What can be done Daniel, to open this one up to scrutiny?

If you have ideas, please share them.

Sincerely,
andria

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