By Brendan Rees
When Tracy Sweerts two children went to school wearing football gear to celebrate Harmony Day they least expected to be each handed a detention.
She says her son, who wore attire from his local football club and daughter, who wore a North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL hoodie were punished for not “portraying Australian culture” when they celebrated Australian diversity at Cranbourne East Secondary College on Thursday 21 March.
“We don’t own an Akubra hat, we are not of Aboriginal decent, and both felt that their football attire represented what they held close to them within their culture,” Ms Sweerts said.
“Culture can be perceived in many different aspects; however the main message is harmony. Respect for one another. Sport is a part of culture right across the world.”
The school’s principal, Mandee Strickland apologised, saying the detentions had been revoked.
“We realise the communication to students and staff was unclear, for which we apologise,” she said. “While students were initially given a detention, this was overturned when it became clear that they were not at fault.”
She said the school arranged a number of activities to celebrate Harmony Day, and encouraged students to wear cultural dress, or an item of orange clothing.
“Our school has a proud history of cultural diversity and we strongly encourage students to celebrate their identity,” Ms Strickland added.
Ms Sweerts says she was “bitterly disappointed” with the school’s initial decision to punish her children, adding she had not received a personal apology.
“I was really quite shocked actually. I really didn’t expect that,” she said. “They love their footy and they see the events throughout the year of celebration, acceptance and respect.”
“The AFL is setting a positive foundation of acceptance and support of all in our country,” she said.“Is that not what we are aiming for with our younger generation with Harmony Day – acceptance, support, respect and rule out racism?”
She says her children, who she has chosen not to identify; text messaged her on the day expressing their “sheer shock” after receiving a detention.
“When the kids got home they said there were a few of the teachers that had footy jumpers on as well which really made it quite contradicting.”
A Department of Education supported students’ expression of what they believe Australian culture meant to them.
“All students should feel proud of their heritage and background, and the department encourages schools to celebrate diversity and belonging – in all its forms – during Cultural Diversity Week,” a spokesperson said.
