Friends’ School rejects events with weapons links

The Friends’ School has acted according to its principles by withdrawing from two events that list weapons manufacturers as major sponsors: the University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge and the National Youth Science Forum.

The school’s Board of Governors made the decision after the school adopted the Building a Culture of Peace Statement. This statement affirms that Friends’ has “a duty of care to ensure that its students are not exposed to advertising through sponsorship by military organisations, the defence industry, or weapon manufacturers”.

In the school’s letter of withdrawal to National Youth Science Forum, Friend’s Principal Esther Hill said the decision was made “following deep reflection” and was guided by the school’s Quaker heritage, which calls on adherents “to seek alternatives to violence and domination in all forms”.

“Our decision arises from our responsibility to safeguard the integrity of our students’ educational experience and to empower them to become thoughtful, compassionate, and courageous contributors to a more peaceful world.”

Friends’ School is a Quaker co-educational institution founded on principles of “peace, integrity, equality, simplicity, and community”. Its Purpose and Concerns Statement states that the school is committed to fostering the full development of our students “while maintaining a deep concern for peace and justice in the world”.

It aims to nurture “a learning environment grounded in nonviolence, critical thinking, and active hope”.

“We believe that the normalisation of militarism and the global arms trade is fundamentally incompatible with these values.

“Accordingly, The Friends’ School has resolved that our students will not participate in any events or programs—including competitions, expos, or other external activities—that are sponsored by, affiliated with, or that promote military organisations, the defence industry, or weapons manufacturers.

“This includes activities that: carry branding or sponsorship from weapons companies; receive financial or in-kind support from military or defence entities; promote or normalise the global arms trade; are conducted under umbrella programs meeting any of the above criteria; or present militarism as a desirable or aspirational ideal.”

Ms Hill said the decision was also informed by the work of the Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia) (MAPW), whose research highlights “the grave public health threats posed by the weapons industry, including its growing presence in educational settings”.

“MAPW’s Minors & Missiles report documents how arms-industry sponsorship contributes to the militarisation of society, framing complex problems as solvable only by military means and embedding such assumptions even in early STEM education. The report also underscores the vast financial and environmental costs of global military programs, from nuclear weapons to greenhouse-gas emissions, with little accountability or transparency.”

The Friends’ School (Hobart)

Founded in 1887, The Friends’ School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school located in the heart of Hobart, Tasmania.

The largest Quaker School in the World (and the only Quaker School in Australia), The Friends’ School offers education programs from Early Learning through to Year 12.

• Motto: Nemo Sibi Nascitur – “No-one is born for self alone.”

• Core values: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Earth care.

• Practices include:

  • Regular silent reflection (Meeting for Worship).

  • Encouraging respectful, equal relationships between all members of the community.

  • Promoting simple living and sustainability (distinguishing needs vs. wants).

  • Fostering service, inclusion, and global awareness.

• Aims to nurture intellectual and spiritual growth, integrity, care for others, and responsibility to the environment.

Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)

• Believe each person has a direct connection with God (the “inner light” or Spirit).

• Emphasise reflection, listening, and support from community.

• Christian origins but open to diverse ideas, with strong commitments to peace, equality, tolerance, and simplicity.

• Worship centres on silent gatherings (Meeting for Worship).