Common Schools Act of 1871 - The Common Schools Act of 1871 - Enactment

Enactment

King's bill prompted a long and bitter debate in the New Brunswick parliament. Members opposed to the bill included most of the parliament's Catholics, some Anglicans, and also those members who were opposed to compulsory assessment. On May 5, 1871, free school supporters proposed an amendment to the bill which provided that schools under the act be non-sectarian. The amendment was passed by a 25-10 vote. The bill as a whole was passed on May 17, 1871 and it was signed into law as the Common Schools Act of 1871.

The act came into effect on January 1, 1872. The act contained various provisions which had the effect of shutting down religious schooling in New Brunswick. While teachers were permitted to open and close school with Bible reading and the Lord's Prayer, they were prohibited from the teaching of catechism courses, prohibited from wearing religious garb, and schools were forbidden from displaying religious symbols. Control of the school system was given to the Executive Council, exercising its power through the New Brunswick Board of Education. The Board of Education held powers under the act to dictate curriculum and textbook content, require teachers to meet certain standards of qualification, and set the work conditions and employment terms of educators.