Censorship in Schools a Must Says Ministry of Education
The education ministry asked all private schools on Sunday to scrutinise textbooks, before prescribing them to students, to ensure they do not contain texts or images ‘defaming’ or ‘affronting’ God, religion or the UAE.
This move follows a recent complaint against a Grade VIII English textbook Elements of Literature — The Holt Reader (Second Course) in which God is reportedly described as a ‘toy’.
“We took the book and studied it case by case after we received complaints. There were certain pages that were inappropriate and there was a chapter that specifically described God as a toy. The education zone should now follow up with the schools,” Dr Mariam Al Ali, Director of the Supervising and Monitoring of Private Schools Department, Ministry of Education, told Khaleej Times.
Schools that follow international curricula are expected to strictly adhere to the ministry’s new standards, introduced last year, while prescribing books, or face ‘closure’. The new standards urge schools to omit flags and emblems of countries and organisations that do not share normal relations with the UAE. They have also been asked to refrain from discussing alcohol, drugs or homosexuality — issues unacceptable to the Arab and Muslim society.
“Schools should keep in mind the rules and regulations of the ministry and scrutinise text books for the best interests of the child,” Dr Ali said. “Schools have to abide by the new bylaws. We will warn schools and will not hesitate to close them down if they do not follow our norms. Our objective is not to close schools but make them aware.”…SOURCE
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