No applause for Swedish private school proposal

In April, the government announced not to give licenses for new independent schools in 2024. And for the longer term, even existing independent schools should be limited in their expansion. Among these schools, there are several Christian institutions. According to Världen idag public schools should be strengthened.

However, not everyone welcomes the plan. The Discrimination Ombudsman (DO of Sweden, the Swedish Christian Council (SKR) and the Jewish Central Council warn of the negative consequences of the regulation.

The SKR strongly rejects the government's proposal. In a statement, it writes that it sees crucial shortcomings in the proposal. For example, by banning all private schools without distinction, the government would "disproportionately restrict fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of religion, equal treatment and freedom of trade."

Furthermore, the SKR criticises the ban because it would breach the European Convention and the Convention of the Rights of the Child. The European Convention states that the state must respect the parents' right to find education for their children in line with their convictions. In addition, the Convention of the Rights of the Child ensures that children have the right to moral and spiritual development. "Independent schools with a denominational focus enable children to become familiar with existential issues at an early stage, both in their tradition and in encountering other beliefs", the SKR writes.

"Only a few denominational schools showed shortcomings"

Also, the Swedish Discrimination Ombudsman criticises the proposal. He affirms in a statement that the bill is contrary to the European Convention's prohibition of discrimination", and adds that it is "problematic concerning everyone's equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their religion or other belief."

Furthermore, the Discrimination Ombudsman points out that the inspection found shortcomings in a few denominational schools. But only seven schools were closed, due to these points. According to the Ombudsman, the new proposal "does not appear appropriate, necessary or proportionate."

"Families with children might emigrate"

Moreover, the Jewish Central Council released a statement in which it argues that a ban on denominational schools will increase the insecurity of Jews and their children. It even predicts that families with children might relocate to other countries in the long term.

The Jewish Council reminds the government that the Jewish holidays differ from the Swedish holidays. If Jewish children cannot attend schools that celebrate their holidays, they will lose their Jewish cultural heritage.

Furthermore, a ban on new Jewish schools would lead to overcrowding of the existing Jewish schools, which already have to turn down students because of limited capacity.

The Jewish Central Council writes that the memorandum is probably characterised by "misunderstanding and naivety in the face of potentially harmful effects – albeit unintended – that the measures may in all probability affect the Jewish schools in Sweden and perhaps also other minority schools."