The two strikes Neil Mitchell believes kids are being ‘manipulated’ to attend in Melbourne

Neil Mitchell believes kids are being “manipulated” to strike over the war in the Middle East as well as climate change.

Free Palestine Melbourne has posted details of a student walkout Thursday week before a rally in the city, with another walkout planned for this Friday over climate change.

“Leave the kids out of it,” the 3AW Mornings host said.

Press PLAY to hear him voice his concerns + his plea to the state government to act swiftly 

Liberal MP for Kew and opposition education spokesperson, Jess Wilson, echoed a similar message to Neil Mitchell, claiming students “need” to be in the classroom and not outside protesting.

“We need the Premier and the education minister to come out strongly and say they will not support this strike,” Ms Wilson said.

“This is an extremely complex situation in the Middle East, and we do not need political activists bringing it into Victorian classrooms.”

Press PLAY to hear her view in full 

Education Minister Ben Carroll has since released the following statement:

Many in our school communities are affected by the devastating events in the Middle East.

Schools are communicating with parents and carers about the current situation, including advice on ensuring that students know where to go for additional support.

Schools also ensure students understand that any form of racism is not tolerated, and nor is any language likely to incite any form of racism, anti-Semitism or violence.

School will operate to their usual schedule on November 23 and normal attendance expectations apply.

Education is a cause for good in and of itself and being at school is the best investment students can make in their future.