La directrice admet avoir "échoué" après que le discours anti-avortement ait été prononcé devant des élèves écossais

Principal Scott Marsh of Scotch College, one of Victoria's oldest and most prestigious private schools, admitted procedural failures following a controversial presentation by Dr. Emma Wood, an anti-abortion speaker, to Year 11 students in September. The incident sparked concern among students and staff, prompting an internal review and an apology to affected families. Dr. Wood, who leads the anti-abortion organization Pro-Love Logic, presented to the students as part of the school’s Christian education program. Her talk explored the link between widespread abortion and the individualistic sexual culture prevalent in Western societies. According to Marsh, the presentation should have been treated as an incursion due to its nature, being given by an external speaker outside regular class hours. The review identified procedural missteps in organizing and managing the event, though no individual staff members were found at fault. Marsh expressed regret over the distress caused to some students and their families but did not apologize for the content of the speech itself. Dr. Wood defines abortion as “an act of harm inflicted on an unborn human being that both intends and accomplishes that unborn human’s death.” The presentation reportedly left many unsettled, with an anonymous source stating that the talk surprised everyone and lacked the structure of a discussion. Scotch College, founded in 1851 and located in Hawthorn, educates approximately 2000 boys from preparatory to Year 12. Tuition fees for Year 11 students will exceed $47,000 starting next year. In a prior communication to parents, Marsh noted that Dr. Wood was recommended by other schools, although specific names were not disclosed. Dr. Wood is affiliated with Campion College in New South Wales, where she has faced scrutiny. Campion College was previously investigated after its dean of studies and a senior history lecturer expressed support for the White Australia policy. Despite multiple attempts, Dr. Wood has not responded to requests for comment on the recent events at Scotch College. Marsh announced plans to host another session for the same group of students later in the term, aiming to offer a contrasting viewpoint on the subject and encourage further reflection and discussion within their Christian education classes. The incident highlights ongoing debates around curriculum content and the inclusion of speakers with contentious views in educational settings.