Controversy has broken out at a Sydney school after plans were unveiled — and then scrapped — to rename their sport houses after Indigenous legends including Cathy Freeman and Adam Goodes.
Appin Public School, which is around a 90-minute drive from central Sydney, previously named the houses after the likes of Australian explorer William Hovell and Governor Lachlan Macquarie.
But according to radio station 2GB, the school announced on March 20 they would be changing the sporting factions to the names of four Indigenous stars — gold-medal sprinter Freeman, AFL icon Goodes, activist Eddie Mabo, and singer Jessica Mauboy.
The change was confirmed to parents and pupils via a Facebook video in which Freeman was praised for her “strength, determination and greatness,” Mabo his “justice, courage and change,” Goodes his “leadership, pride and excellence,” and Mauboy her ‘inspiration and brilliance”.
However, there was significant backlash to the announcement — with one parent sending an email in to 2GB which host Ben Fordham read out on air.
It said: “I’m writing to you as a parent from the Appin School regarding a decision that’s caused significant concern among families.
“Our local school has recently changed its longstanding sports house names Hume, Hovell, Macquarie and Tyson.
“They’ve been changed to new names including Eddie Mabo, Cathy Freeman, Adam Goodes and Jessica Mauboy.
“The criteria for eligibility was ‘Indigenous who’ve made a significant difference’.
“This alone goes against inclusion and diversity by removing the eligibility of Caucasian athletes and personalities.
“It’s a typical education department woke decision.
“My kids can’t remember the names of the new houses, let alone what the people are famous for.
“This situation has caused unnecessary division.”
Other comments from parents on social media described the move as “sad” and “disgusting” — which has now led to the school re-considering their position on the matter.
Families of the students received a message from principal Cheny Collins saying: “Thank you to those in the community who’ve taken the time to share their feedback regarding the proposed house names.
“In light of the feedback received, we see this as an important opportunity to pause and ensure the process is inclusive.
“We will be taking this decision back to our students to reconsider, allowing space for further reflection and broader representation.”
