A statement released by the Education Minister today (Thursday, 04 September) outlined the Minister's plans to raise the bar on what counts as a “reasonable” mix of pupils in integrated schools.
 
"The current Education Minister has made it a hallmark of his tenure to attack and undermine integrated education at every opportunity, and this statement, full of negative commentary on schools that have transformed, does nothing to inspire confidence in his ability to support the sector," the Lagan Valley MLA said.
 
"The general principle articulated in the statement is confused and poorly worded, and may create confusion in relation to his approach to schools seeking to become integrated, rather than clarity.
 
"Despite having a legal duty to promote integrated education, the Department of Education, under the leadership of the DUP, seem determined to block such progress.
 
"I encourage schools and parents involved in the transformation process not to be discouraged; educating our children together through an integrated school ethos is worth fighting for and is about so much more than just religious mixing."