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UK schools can ban veils
20/03/2007 13:51 - (SA)
London - Britain on Tuesday gave school head teachers the right to ban the Muslim veil or other religious clothing from classrooms, but the move was immediately branded "shocking" by a Muslim leader.
A spokesperson for the department for education and skills stressed that the new guidelines did not mean that the government was imposing a blanket ban on religious clothing at schools.
The guidelines require schools to consult with the local community, including students' parents, before deciding on a uniform policy, and note that, where possible, they should be tolerant of religious dress.
But certain items of clothing, such as the full-face veil, or niqab, may be banned if head teachers believe that they hamper safety, security or learning, so long as a consultation is carried out.
"Schools must act reasonably in accommodating religious requirements, providing they do not pose a threat to security, safety and learning, or compromise the well-being of the whole school community," said the guidelines.
But they added: "Where individual requirements have an impact in any of these areas, schools are within their rights to take appropriate action," while saying they must consult with parents and the local community.
'Failed to give proper guidance'
Massoud Shadjareh, chairperson of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, voiced dismay at the new rules.
He said: "Successive ministers dealing with education issues have failed to give proper guidance when requested by human rights campaigners about schools' obligations regarding religious dress.
"To now proceed to issue guidance against Muslim communities is simply shocking."
The new rules follow a high-profile British court case in which the father of a 12-year-old Muslim girl was last month refused permission to challenge a school's ban on her wearing the niqab during lessons.
- AFP
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