The democrat party D66 wants to abolish the special legal status of faith-based schools in the Netherlands.

D66 MP Boris van der Ham says that the freedom of education guaranteed under the Dutch constitution has been stretched and is being used to cover up abuses. A spokesperson for D66 has confirmed Mr Van der Ham’s statements were in line with D66 policy, saying the party wants to modernise education laws.

Mr Van der Ham criticised the right of faith-based schools to refuse to appoint unmarried or homosexual teachers and to refuse to admit students on religious grounds. He pointed out that faith-based schools do not fall under the immediate responsibility of the local council, making it more difficult to get rid of failing school boards. He said it was unacceptable that “failing school boards, like the one that was in charge of the Islamic College in Amsterdam, are allowed to found a new school the next day.”

(gsh/mw)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide