The Minns government appears to have turned a blind eye to claims that the discriminatory caste system is being taught in New South Wales public schools as part of Hindu religious classes.

The state’s education minister, Prue Car (pictured), and education department have failed to respond to the Rationalist Society of Australia’s question about whether the government would investigate the allegations.

In a letter to the RSA, a spokesperson for the education department – directed by the minister to respond – ignored the question and said approved providers of Special Religious Education (SRE) were responsible for the materials and pedagogy used by their instructors.

“It is also the approved providers’ responsibility to make their curriculum scope and sequence(s) accessible publicly and in sufficient detail for parents/carers to be able to understand what is covered in lessons,” they said.

Earlier this month, RSA Executive Director Si Gladman asked Minister Car if she had – or would – investigate claims that Hindu instructors were teaching caste as part of SRE classes, including by seating children according to caste hierarchical order.

Members of the Hindu community had raised their objections to the way Hindu classes were being run in public schools when they participated in focus group discussions as part of community consultations for development of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework.

In his letter, Mr Gladman had noted that Hindu community members claimed the teaching of caste had resulted in a rise in caste-based bullying in schools.

In response, the education department spokesperson said religious bullying was not tolerated in public schools.

“The department has established ongoing consultation with faith leaders and introduced a helpline for students, families, staff and communities who experience or witness religious bullying or intolerance in NSW Public Schools as part of the election commitment to tackle religious intolerance and bullying,” the spokesperson said.

Previously, the Minns government has also ignored the RSA’s concerns about the teaching of anti-science and anti-evolution material in Christian SRE and of “hellfire” and uncompromising messages about friendships and identity in Islamic SRE.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is actively lobbying for secular reform of scripture programs in public schools. If you want to support our work, please make a donation or become a member.

Si Gladman is Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. He also hosts ‘The Secular Agenda’ podcast.