We would like to add our support to the Teachers for Refugees t-shirt action planned for the week of the 12th of December, where teachers will wear t-shirts with the slogans “Teachers for Refugees—Close the Camps, Bring them Here” in schools and workplaces.
The action has already been supported by the Australian Education Union (Victoria Branch) and the NSW Teachers Federation.
We reject attempts to intimidate teachers from being involved in this action. Teachers have a right to a political opinion and to state their opposition to offshore detention policies and government abuses of human rights. They are sending a message of solidarity to refugees and asylum seekers in offshore detention centres and those in our communities who face racism and discrimination.
The proposition that a teacher is imposing an opinion on a student by wearing a piece of clothing, or that this detracts from their ability to deliver lessons, is ridiculous.
We extend our solidarity and support to teachers participating in this action.
Refugee Action Coalition Sydney
Mums for Refugees
Grandmothers against detention of refugees (NSW)
Paul McAleer, Sydney branch secretary, Maritime Union of Australia
Nick McKim, Greens Senator for Tasmania
Lee Rhiannon, NSW Greens Senator
Social Justice In Early Childhood group
To add your name or your organisation email info@refugeeaction.org.au
Message of support from National Tertiary Education Union (NSW)
We would like to add our support to the Teachers for Refugees t-shirt action planned for the week of the 12th of December, where teachers will wear t-shirts with the slogans “Teachers for Refugees—Close the Camps, Bring them Here”.
The action has already been supported by the Australian Education Union (Victoria Branch) and the NSW Teachers Federation.
We reject attempts to intimidate teachers from being involved in this action. Teachers have a right to a political opinion and to state their opposition to offshore detention policies and government abuses of human rights. They are sending a message of solidarity to refugees and asylum seekers in offshore detention centres and those in our communities who face racism and discrimination.
The proposition that a teacher is imposing an opinion on a student by wearing a piece of clothing, or that this detracts from their ability to deliver lessons, is ridiculous.
We extend our solidarity and support to teachers participating in this action.
NTEU for Refugees
The NSW NTEU is getting its own t-shirts made with slogans “NTEU for Refugees – Close the Camps, Bring them Here”. We plan a similar action in the new year and will be encouraging our members to show support for refugees.
Michael Thomson, State Secretary, National Tertiary Education Union NSW
Sarah Gregson, President, National Tertiary Education Union, UNSW
Vince Caughley, President, National Tertiary Education Union, UTS
