New ‘hate speech’ rules for NSW schools could stifle classroom discussions about Gaza, teachers warn

New South Wales schools are implementing revised codes of conduct, effective immediately, that explicitly prohibit hate speech by school staff both inside and outside the classroom. Teachers and legal experts are concerned that these new guidelines could stifle classroom discussions about the conflict in Gaza. The NSW government states the changes are not intended to limit freedom of speech or discussions about Palestinians and civilians in Gaza. The updated rules apply to staff across all government, independent, and Catholic schools in the state. The aim of the new rules is to prevent hate speech, but critics fear the broad definition could have a chilling effect on important conversations.

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