The Friends’ School in Hobart Takes a Stand for Peace
The Friends’ School in Hobart, Tasmania, has made a principled decision to withdraw its students from any events, programs, or competitions sponsored by military or defence-related entities, including weapons manufacturers.
This policy, recently approved by the School’s Board of Governors, reflects the school’s foundational Quaker values of peace, integrity, equality, simplicity, and community, and its long-standing commitment to building a culture of peace.
Shaping young people’s values
Principal Esther Hill explained that the decision followed “deep reflection” on the role schools should play in shaping young people’s values. The move affects participation in two major national programs, the National Youth Science Forum and the Science and Engineering Challenge, both of which receive sponsorship from weapons manufacturing companies.
“We want them to see that peace is not just an ideal – it is a daily practice, a brave choice, and a way of being within ourselves, within our communities and across the world.… The normalisation of militarism and the global arms trade is fundamentally incompatible with the values we strive to instil in our students.”
The Friends’ School will now exclude activities that:
- Are sponsored by or affiliated with military organisations or weapons companies;
- Carry branding or receive support from defence entities;
- Promote the arms trade or present militarism as aspirational.
The policy is consistent with recommendations from the Minors & Missiles report by the Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia). Report author Elise West applauded the school’s stance, encouraging others to adopt similar policies.
While acknowledging that the decision may affect some external relationships, Hill emphasised the school’s commitment to openness and respectful dialogue.
“We welcome continued collaboration with groups and institutions that share or respect our commitment to peace, justice, and the wellbeing of all people. We also encourage others to reflect on the influence of militarism—especially in educational contexts—and to consider the legacy we’re leaving for future generations.”
Quaker support
Quakers Australia supports The Friends’ School in taking these steps, which embody our shared Quaker commitment to peace and reflect the values at the heart of both our communities. The Friends’ School is showing what it means to live out the peace testimony in practical ways choosing not to partner with industries that profit from war. We look forward to walking alongside the school in sharing resources, sparking conversations, and encouraging others to imagine what a truly peace-centred education can look like.
Hear and read more
The Friends’ School’s announcement has drawn national media attention. You can explore more through the following coverage:
