Britain on Tuesday gave school headteachers 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 spokesman 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. However, certain items of clothing, such as the full-face veil, or niqab, may be banned if headteachers 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.
“Where individual requirements have an impact in any of these areas, schools are within their rights to take appropriate action,” the said, adding that they must consult parents and the local community. Massoud Shadjareh, chairman of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, voiced dismay at the new rules.