I was on the radio talking about single-sex schools and whether they should be scrapped. You won’t be surprised what my opinion was. However, as always, the opinions of others got me thinking. Most arguments against me centred on the concept of choice, as if choice is some sort of holy grail that cannot be questioned, even when that choice is potentially illegal.
The only reason we allow boys and girls to be segregated is due to an exception in the Equality Act where schools are not allowed to discriminate against people on the nine grounds of discrimination with the exception of gender and religion.
Segregating boys and girls is as logical as segregating children of different skin colour (a point I made) but it seems that just because something is rooted in history, it becomes ok. I also pointed out that Ireland is a complete outlier in western culture with 16% of primary schools single sex. I also pointed out that it’s also a weird phenomenon of urban areas rather than rural areas and suggested we ponder on that.
However, the big question I wonder is all about the concept of free choice and school, even if the choices are ridiculous? I’d suggest segregating boys and girls is one such ridiculous concept; I’d also suggest segregating across religious lines is also ridiculous.