Originally posted by ianflo:
free school travel regardless of faith
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My local education authority has refused to give my child a bus pass to school on the grounds he was baptised in the wrong church.
I find it amazing that a county council can use religious discrimination to save a few quid, when that same body is charged with ensuring such behaviour does not take place.
The human rights act states government should not enact policies based on religious, racial, or gender discrimination, yet here is a public body that bases a policy around just such discrimination.
Besides being illegal this policy also leads to increased congestion on the roads (as parents take kids by car) and contributes to an increase in accidents around school areas.
This discrimination is happening on a daily basis all around the country and should be brought to an end.
I would appreciate any support from fellow posters from this site. If you agree that this policy is outdated and should be brought to an end please sign up to a petition I have started on the downing street website (once it is given clearance by moderators there).
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ ps I was thinking of taking council to small claims court (its the cheapest option) to recoup cost of my childs travel and set a precedent that ensures LEA's have to change their policies country wide. I have no legal knowledge, so any contribution from those with experience in this field will be greatly appreciated.
pps - sorry its a long post but its a complicated issue.
ppps - my daughter has had a free bus pass (for past 5 years) to same school !!
