MacRob cadet ban labelled "sexist"

[brendan]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/elite-girls-school-cadet-ban-sexist/2008/03/15/1205472164043.html

[jess3254]

I find MHS cadets incredibly scary (although I haven’t met a Mac.Rob one as of yet).
I don’t really know enough about cadets to comment, but I suppose the reason for the discontinuation of the program could possibly pertain to gender, which is incredibly sexist. The girls should be allowed to participate in the program if they wish, sex shouldn’t ever be a barrier, if this is the case. Then again, the principal did say it was due to administrative issues… but you would’ve thought they would’ve made an effort to make it sustainable if they had found that the programme really benefited students… perhaps the opinions of teachers and parents would’ve contributed to the decision, or maybe they were finding the programme was unpopular.

[polky]

I think that the reason for the ban is because of the fear that the students who participate in cadets would become militaristic ("Hitler's Youths"?).  Students should have the right to choose what extra-curricular activities they want to be involved in, be it cadets or the feminist group or whatever.  By banning cadets they are denying the students the freedom of choice.

Loads of other schools also have cadet programs so I don't understand what administrative difficulties could have been so cumbersome that the program had to be banned.

[Collin Li]

MacRob has not banned its students from joining another cadet program. It has merely discontinued its own cadets program. Students don't have any inherent 'right' to this sort of service if the school does not wish to provide it.

[fireball608]

G'day,
Not meaning to necro a thread, but since im in the Cadet unit (Senior company commander), I'll provide closure on this topic.

After large media exposure, including several TV spots, the school relented and lifted the ban, which makes sense considering the the highest positioned cadet is from macrob. Although the school's not too happy, and is always trying to undermine us (last time I was there on cadet business I was told to leave or the AP would call the police)

However, since a large number of those who fought to keep them in are leaving next year, we're not sure how long it will be kept up. but heres to hoping, as cadets is awesome!

[hard]

what do cadets do?

[Pandemonium]

eat white smarties and lie around in mud and shit for a week.
they call them bivouacs.