A SETTLEMENT WANTED

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 147, 23 June 1937, Page 13

A SETTLEMENT WANTED

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—lt is undeniable that a large body 'of teachers is . strongly against the proposal to devote a few minutes daily to religious exercises, while it is equally true that some teachers do desire to take advantage of the freedom offered by the local board's recent decision. Why cannot a logical and just compromise be . effected? Would the following scheme work? (1) Let the Education Department and each particular board concerned give an authoritative, assurance that in no way whatever, directly or indirectly, will a teacher be penalised for not' taking part in these religious observances. (2) Let the Department also devise a printed form, on which each teacher desirous of conducting such religious exercises must apply for the permission of his board to do so. Permission in most cases might be granted for such a period as the board might think fit. (3) Limit the receipt of all such applications to the first week of each school year. Perhaps for this year the date might be extended to August 1, say. . (4) Where no such permission has been obtained, the teacher should conduct ordinary school duties between, the statutory-hours, as at present.

No' one would expect any difficulty in achieving the first step.- The second proposal allows for that individual freedom of conscience so obviously respected by both the Bible-in-Schools League and the Educational Institute. The third proposition would make for immediate honest decision, contribute to harmonious relationships between members of school staffs, and ensure continuity of organisation throughout the school year. The fourth stipulation would.meet with the approval of. the public and teachers alike, and would