Vegan Ethics Course Launched for High Schools
Vegan Australia have announced their latest initiative: a vegan ethics course for high school students.
Vegan Australia explain here what it’s all about:
This is the first part of our Vegan Education in Schools program, which is designed to empower the next generation with critical thinking skills and provide a deeper understanding of our relationship with animals.
The Ethics Course is a vital step forward in our mission to foster a world where the rights of our fellow animals are respected by all. We know many of you are parents, educators or passionate advocates who want to see these crucial conversations happening in schools. Now, you have the perfect resource to help make that a reality.
The Ethics Course introduces high school students to the core values and motivations behind veganism and animal rights. Through engaging and critical inquiry, students will:
challenge common misconceptions about veganism
rigorously engage with visual media
reflect on their role in creating a more just world for all beings
This course goes beyond animal welfare, promoting an abolitionist view of veganism that respects the autonomy of our fellow animals and challenges the very notion of animals as property or commodities.”
What the course covers
This in-depth program covers a wide range of essential topics over 15 dynamic lessons:
Introduction to veganism and its core principles
The ethical argument for veganism - exploring animal rights and sentience
The role of veganism in ending animal exploitation
Common myths and misconceptions about veganism
The intersection of veganism and social justice: food deserts, accessibility and global inequality
Abolition vs welfarism: understanding the foundational divide in animal rights philosophy
The environmental impact of animal agriculture: deforestation, water usage, greenhouse gas emissions
Aquatic life and veganism: ethical issues surrounding fishing, aquaculture and the horrors in the "seafood" industry
The leather, fur and wool industries: exposing the truth behind animal-derived materials
Feathers and scales: exposing the cruelty behind the down and exotic leather industries
Australia's vanishing wildlife: kangaroos, land clearing and the cost of human expansion
Animals in entertainment: exposing the exploitation in zoos, circuses, marine parks, racing and petting zoos
Animal experimentation and vivisection - challenging the science, ethics and justifications for using animals in research
Speciesism and moral consistency - challenging prejudice and defending justice for all animals
Non-speciesist language and vegan-friendly idioms
Each lesson, designed for approximately 45 minutes, includes clear objectives, engaging activities, discussion prompts and links to supplementary resources like videos, articles and infographics.
Free resources for teachers and schools
All 15 lessons, complete with detailed lesson plans and links to videos and other educational resources, are available completely free of charge. They are provided in downloadable PDF format, making them easy for teachers to integrate directly into their classrooms. Download the lessons here.
How you can help share this vital education
If you're a teacher, we encourage you to explore these resources and consider incorporating them into your curriculum.
If you're a parent or supporter, please share this exciting news with teachers, school administrators or any educational contacts you may have. This course offers a unique opportunity for high school students to critically engage with ethics, sustainability and animal rights in a structured and compelling way.
Our schools program is led by longtime animal rights advocate and former teacher Ric Allport. If you would like to share your thoughts or learn more, we welcome you to get in touch with Ric at ric@veganaustralia.org.au.
Access the Vegan Ethics Course and all educational resources on our website here: veganaustralia.org.au/schools
Thank you for being a vital part of the movement for a vegan Australia. Together, we can help build a world where every being can secure their right to body, life and freedom.
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Thank YOU Vegan Australia for all you do to support people go vegan and stay vegan.