To the Moorebank High School Teacher Committee,

On behalf of my peers, we, the student body at Moorebank High School, express our deep concern regarding the recent shift in leadership and the subsequent policies implemented by our newly signed principal. The removal of our previous principal, has significantly impacted student well-being. The transition to new leadership is always an adjustment, but the restrictive changes imposed upon us have made this adjustment increasingly difficult.

 Recently, the decision to prohibit students from wearing their cultural attire on Harmony Day has sparked frustration and disappointment among the student body. The justification for this restriction—preventing racism and fostering unity—directly contradicts the very essence of Harmony Day.

The purpose of Harmony Day is to celebrate and embrace the diverse cultural backgrounds that make up our school community. By enforcing this policy, the school is not promoting inclusivity but rather alienating students from their cultural heritage. How can we claim to support multiculturalism while actively discouraging students from expressing their identities? This restriction does not create unity; instead, it imposes uniformity and strips students of the opportunity to proudly share their heritage. It sends a message that cultural expression is something to be suppressed rather than embraced, which is a harmful precedent to set in an institution that should be fostering acceptance and understanding.

Furthermore, the continuous imposition of restrictive policies is leading to growing dissatisfaction and unrest among students. In the past, we have seen students push back against unreasonable rules through passive resistance and open defiance, as witnessed during previous school carnival and festival days. The enforcement of rigid and unnecessary rules does not create discipline; rather, it encourages rebellion. If students feel unheard and unrepresented, they will naturally resist policies that do not align with their values of fairness and self-expression.

Diversity should be celebrated, not suppressed. The absence of cultural representation on a day meant to highlight it diminishes the importance of multiculturalism and sends the wrong message to students. Instead of fostering an environment of acceptance, these actions create a dystopian-like atmosphere where individuality is subdued under the guise of cohesion. Rules should be implemented to support students, not to oppress them. We should be encouraging pride in our backgrounds, not instilling a fear of standing out.

We urge the school administration to reconsider this policy and engage in an open dialogue with the student body. True unity is built through understanding, respect, and the freedom to express oneself. We, the students of Moorebank High School, stand firm in our belief that cultural expression should not be treated as a privilege but as a right. We hope that our concerns will not be dismissed but instead acknowledged with the seriousness they deserve. Help our school become a strong, bonded community.