Statement

Distribution of Religious Materials in Schools

November 18, 2011 Iqaluit, NU Statement from Deputy Minister of Education, Kathy Okpik:
The actions of the Government of Nunavut and all other public agencies in the territory must comply with the Human Rights Act and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Education Act allows District Education Authorities to grant permission for the distribution of religious materials in schools outside of the education program. Governments cannot promote any particular religion or faith over another. As a public institution, the District Education Authority cannot show favoritism to one religious group over another. If a District Education Authority allows one religious group into the schools to distribute materials, it must allow all religious groups the same access. No one, including teachers and students can be forced to participate in religious programs or receive religious materials if they object on personal, moral or religious grounds. Parents, students and education staff members have the right to inform the District Education Authority and the school that they do not want to receive religious materials or participate in religious programming. It is our goal as a government to ensure the rights and freedoms of all Nunavummiut are protected.

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For more information, contact: Wende Halonen Manager of Communications Department of Education (867) 975-5684
whalonenedu2@gov.nu.ca

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