|
BBC School Report
The British government has told all English schools that they can now stop Muslim girls wearing head veils to school. They are introducing the ban to maintain good order and to make it easier to spot intruders. By pupils wearing the veil it prevents teachers from seeing their facial expressions which is a key element to effective classroom interaction.
Secretary of education, Alan Johnson updated guidance after a 12-year-old girl lost her battle to wear the full-face niqab to her school in Buckinghamshire last month.
The ban only applies to schools in England. Schools will be free to ban veils if the teachers think that it’s getting in the way of their studies. A senior British Muslim leader has described the ban as “Simply shocking.” The concerns are that poorer people from different backgrounds may not have the money for the uniforms as to they cost around £200. It may also go against what they believe in.
Schools will consult widely with parents, Governors and the local community on uniform policy relating to religious dress, the proposals say, and where possible, a wide range of religious and cultural items of clothing should be tolerated.
Massoud Shadjereh, chairperson of the Islam human rights commission, said he felt “dismayed” at the guidelines. He said: “Successive Ministers dealing with education issues have failed to give proper guidance when requested by human rights campaigners about schools.” He also said, “Obligations regarding religious dress, including the head scarf, and other service delivery under human rights and laws.”
Commons leader Jack Straw said he asked female constituents to remove their head veils for interviews which sparked a national debate. 33% of respondents said they would approve of a ban and 56% of the respondents said they don’t approve of it. Just under one in ten said they didn’t know if they approved or disapproved of it.
By Louise and Grace S2
|
