Weapons in Education conference disrupted by peace activists
Around 20 people from Peace Action Meanjin have disrupted a STEM education and Defence conference at Emporium Hotel. The activists oppose the ‘militarisation of STEM education’ and are calling for weapons companies to be banned from schools. The ADM STEM in Defence Summit is “a cornerstone event that brings together Defence, defence industry and education to discuss the future of the Defence workforce.”
The STEM in Defence Summit is sponsored by the world’s biggest weapons manufactuer, Lockheed Martin.Peace Action Meanjin has intruded on the conference space and is demanding a withdrawal of arms manufacturers from primary and secondary education. Video of the disruption can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/wagepeaceau/videos/429096685844225
Meanjin Peace Action is challenging the presence of weapons companies in the school system. They state that their aim is to draw attention to the growing influence of the weapons industry on the delivery of STEM education. The number of STEM programs being rolled out in schools as a result of “industry partnerships” with private weapons manufacturers is sparking concerns around whose interests such programs serve.”Weapons corporations simply have no place in schools,” said Lil Barto from the group.”
The STEM in Defence Summit is sponsored by the biggest arms dealer in the world, Lockheed Martin. Arms dealers should be banned from schools – just like junk food and gambling operators. Weapons corporations have manipulated their way into government agencies to militarise school STEM “programs”. said Ms Barto, herself a science graduate.
Eleni Dowling, 18, of Greenslopes held a banner saying “Get weapons corporations out of schools”
Eleni said, “Young people want options. They want to repair the environment, build renewables, create transport options. Make art. We don’t want to make weapons. Where is the conference for $1000 a head to organise those things?”
Spokesperson: Lil Barto 0403568696
More information can be found at https://www.wagepeaceau.org/noplaceinschools1