Retract MLC School alumnae awards from Jo Howe
The issue
As a former student of MLC School, I have always taken great pride in being part of an institution that stands as a bastion for women's empowerment and education. MLC School has a remarkable reputation as a pioneer in encouraging young women to attend prestigious universities such as The University of Sydney. It is my deep belief in these values that compels me to raise this petition.
We recently learned that the school has awarded alumnae accolades to Jo Howe (formerly Mascarenhas, class of 2000). While the achievements of former students should indeed be celebrated, it is imperative that the school reassesses awards that may inadvertently endorse harmful or contradictory rhetoric. Jo Howe and her husband have been associated with rhetoric that starkly contrasts with the principles of equality, inclusiveness, and empowerment, principles that MLC School itself upholds so dearly.
Read more about what Jo Howe has commented here: https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/we-dont-do-consent-the-comments-sparking-backlash-against-joanna-howes-husband/
By allowing these awards to stand, the school risks appearing as though it tacitly supports ideologies that undermine the very foundation of equality and respect that we, as MLC alumnae, cherish. It sends a conflicting message to current students and graduates, potentially affecting the school's legacy and culture of nurturing strong, independent young women.
I am a parent raising two children, a daughter among them, whom I wish to see grow in an environment that truly champions the ideals of equality and mutual respect. It is crucial for institutions like MLC School to reflect on whom they choose to honor, ensuring that their actions align with the values they instill in their students.
Therefore, I urge MLC School to retract the alumnae awards bestowed upon Jo Howe. By doing so, the school will reiterate its unwavering commitment to fostering an environment that genuinely champions the empowerment and advancement of women.
Please join me in calling on MLC School to prioritize the values we hold dear by signing this petition today.
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The issue
As a former student of MLC School, I have always taken great pride in being part of an institution that stands as a bastion for women's empowerment and education. MLC School has a remarkable reputation as a pioneer in encouraging young women to attend prestigious universities such as The University of Sydney. It is my deep belief in these values that compels me to raise this petition.
We recently learned that the school has awarded alumnae accolades to Jo Howe (formerly Mascarenhas, class of 2000). While the achievements of former students should indeed be celebrated, it is imperative that the school reassesses awards that may inadvertently endorse harmful or contradictory rhetoric. Jo Howe and her husband have been associated with rhetoric that starkly contrasts with the principles of equality, inclusiveness, and empowerment, principles that MLC School itself upholds so dearly.
Read more about what Jo Howe has commented here: https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/we-dont-do-consent-the-comments-sparking-backlash-against-joanna-howes-husband/
By allowing these awards to stand, the school risks appearing as though it tacitly supports ideologies that undermine the very foundation of equality and respect that we, as MLC alumnae, cherish. It sends a conflicting message to current students and graduates, potentially affecting the school's legacy and culture of nurturing strong, independent young women.
I am a parent raising two children, a daughter among them, whom I wish to see grow in an environment that truly champions the ideals of equality and mutual respect. It is crucial for institutions like MLC School to reflect on whom they choose to honor, ensuring that their actions align with the values they instill in their students.
Therefore, I urge MLC School to retract the alumnae awards bestowed upon Jo Howe. By doing so, the school will reiterate its unwavering commitment to fostering an environment that genuinely champions the empowerment and advancement of women.
Please join me in calling on MLC School to prioritize the values we hold dear by signing this petition today.
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Petition created on 20 September 2026