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Friends’ School Boycotts Arms Industry-Sponsored Student Events
The Friends’ School Takes Principled Stand for Peace – Students Withdrawn from Arms Industry-Sponsored Events
The Friends’ School, a leading Quaker co-educational institution, has announced a significant decision to discontinue student participation in events, programs, or competitions sponsored by military or defence-related entities, including weapons manufacturers.
This move aligns with the School’s foundational Quaker values of peace, integrity, equality, simplicity, and community, as well as its Purpose and Concerns statement and Building a Culture of Peace philosophy.
Principal Esther Hill said the decision to cease participating in two national programs, The National Youth Science Forum and The Science and Engineering Challenge, both sponsored by major weapons manufacturing companies, was the result of deep reflection and is consistent with the School’s longstanding commitment to peace and justice.
“We are called, not just to educate minds, but to stir hearts,” said Principal Esther Hill.
Our students are growing up in a complex world. We want them to see that peace is not just an ideal – it is a daily practice, a brave choice, and a way of being within ourselves, within our communities and across the world.
Last week saw the 80th Anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It also sees a world that is currently experiencing the ongoing and devastating consequences of wars that are fought using weapons that are designed to kill human beings and destroy communities.
The Friends’ School Principal shared, “It is in the spirit of hope and peace that we urge your organisation to reflect on the appropriateness, in this time and place, of school programs being sponsored by weapons manufacturers. By collectively reassessing the influence of militarism and weapons companies—especially in school-based programs—we believe we can contribute to a healthier, more just society for all. The normalisation of militarism and the global arms trade is fundamentally incompatible with the values we strive to instil in our students.
“We are committed to nurturing a learning environment grounded in non-violence, critical thinking, and active hope.”
The policy, recently approved by the School’s Board of Governors, means Friends’ students will not take part in any activities that:
Are sponsored by, affiliated with, or promote military organisations or weapons companies;
Carry branding or receive financial or in-kind support from defence entities;
Normalise the arms trade or present militarism as aspirational.
The School’s position is reinforced by the work of organisations such as the Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia), whose Minors & Missiles report outlines the risks of militarisation in education and the public health dangers posed by the arms industry.
Elise West, author of the Minors & Missiles report said, “I applaud The Friends’ School’s principled position and encourage other schools to adopt a policy of non-participation in programs that promote the weapons industry. All schools have a responsibility to protect students from harmful industries and their targeted marketing tactics.”
“But schools would not need to take action if programs like the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) listened to public sentiment, and took better note of education policy,” West said.
“Several Australian states and territories recognise the weapons industry is harmful, and do not permit it to partner with schools.”
“We believe educational settings should remain independent from industries whose operations are based on conflict and destruction,” Hill said.
“Our role is to empower students to become compassionate, thoughtful, and courageous contributors to a more peaceful world.”
The School acknowledges this position may alter some external relationships, and it approaches these conversations with openness and respect.
“We welcome continued collaboration with groups and institutions that share or respect our commitment to peace, justice, and the wellbeing of all people. We also encourage others to reflect on the influence of militarism—especially in educational contexts—and to consider the legacy we’re leaving for future generations.”
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