Parents Sue School After Girl, Nine, Is Banned From Wearing Hijab

[naomi24]

Right or wrong? Whilst the school’s website states that it will “respect the religious beliefs and practice of all staff, pupils and parents”, the covering of a child’s head is not a religious requirement, so I think the school is within its rights to uphold its decision. In fact I think France has the right idea in banning all religious symbols in schools. Additionally, the implication in the parents’ statement that “it would be a sin for their daughter’s head to be uncovered while in the presence of male teachers”, I find distasteful in the extreme. This is a nine year old child, and the only people who appear to be sexualising her are the parents.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/parents-sue-school-after-girl-nine-is-banned-from-wearing-hijab-8434976.html

(Incidentally, the picture used in the article seems to be a bit of an overkill – but that’s the press for you).

[birdie1971]

I would have thought that their case has no chance of succeeding since it is clear that they were well aware of the school's policy on dress codes before their daughter was enrolled and more importantly, they are falsely claiming that it is a religious requirement for Muslim women/girls to cover their hair when in the presence of men.

The parents in this case are clearly vexatious yet their arguments for religious/cultural persecution are depressingly familiar.

[cassa333]

quote... The parents in this case are clearly vexatious yet their arguments for religious/cultural persecution are depressingly familiar. quote...

I agree with you there. So familier that I fear they will win just to prove some 'noble' effort to diversity and tolerance.

[ShallowQueen]

when she was 8 did she go to the same school?

[naomi24]

It’s true that women in other sections of society also cover their hair, but that’s no defence. It simply confirms that the subjugation of women is widespread and prevalent in more than one culture. The most sickening thing about this, to my mind, is that this child is nine years old and already her parents regard her as an object of sexual attraction.

ShallowQueen, //when she was 8 did she go to the same school?//

Yes, she did, but at nine her parents apparently consider her to be mature.

[keyplus90]

Without reading other posts, it is wrong and against Islamic teachings. According to Islam, Muslims must abide by the law or rules unless those laws or rules force them to do something against their basic faith. However still Islam does not teach going against those laws or rules but encourages to go somewhere else where things are different. In simple words these parents shoudl take their daughter to a school that allows hijab.

[naomi24]

//In simple words these parents shoudl take their daughter to a school that allows hijab. //

Yes, they should .... or better still, stop regarding a nine year old child as a mature woman and hence, as an object of sexual interest to any man who might be around. That's an insult to men.