State School Teachers Union branches call for clarity on what to tell kids about Gaza conflict

West Australian

26-05-2025

Teachers from several public schools are calling for protection from sanctions for voicing support for Palestinians in Gaza as well as more clarity on what they can and can't teach students about the conflict.
Their demands have been revealed in the agenda for the State School Teachers Union's biannual State council, to be held on June 13 and 14.
Eight of 20 motions submitted by school branches for debate at council — the union's peak decision-making body — reference the conflict in Gaza.
'The SSTUWA will guarantee support for members taking appropriate and peaceful action to advance the human rights of Palestinians and reject any unlawful employer and government actions that seek to restrict appropriate and peaceful action,' a motion from Morley's John Forrest Secondary College said.
And Hillman Primary School proposed: 'The SSTUWA reaffirms the principles of the WA curriculum's general capabilities of ethical understanding ... and supports members who choose to reference Palestinian voices in teaching programs developed in accordance with these principles.'
The agenda also includes an international report endorsing the Australian Education Union's call for a ceasefire in Gaza. It revealed the SSTU had 'formally requested' the Education Department provide guidance to school leaders and teachers to help protect people from racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.
The report said the union 'affirms the right of individual employees to express their cultural identity', but recognised tension could arise when that became linked to a 'controversial policy position'.
While the union accepted teachers must abide by the department's code of conduct and avoid perceptions that personal political views may conflict with professional duties, it pledged support for teachers who may be unfairly targeted.
'We expect the department to act with sensitivity and respect towards employees and resolve any issues that arise in a respectful and considerate way, without being influenced by intemperate media reports or political commentary,' it said. 'We will support our members should this not be found to be the case.'
SSTUWA president Matt Jarman said the report and motions were part of a 'general wave of solidarity' across the country that would be debated at State council.
'Members are using their right to demand support and clear up any confusion,' he said.
Mr Jarman said the Education Department had previously provided guidance papers on dealing with topical or controversial issues.
'Not taking a position, but making clear what they can and cannot do in delivering the curriculum,' he said. 'Obviously there's concern in schools, they feel they don't have that clarity.'
It comes as the department revealed it would strengthen its approach to managing anti-Semitism — including extra training for staff and guidance on teaching controversial topics — after a teacher's classroom tribute to the dead leader of terrorist organisation Hamas triggered an independent inquiry.
The teacher took indefinite leave in February after it emerged she had last year written on a whiteboard in the colours of the Palestinian flag 'Rest in peace I.H. you were a great leader', in reference to Ismail Haniyeh.
Premier Roger Cook ordered the Education Department to review its handling of the incident when it came to light.
At the start of the school year, teachers were warned not to express personal views about international conflicts 'of a polarising nature' in a memo sent by the department.