Religions for Peace - USA

Religions Working for Peace and Justice

Thursday, March 22, 2007

British Proposal to Allow Regulations on Muslim Veils in Schools


Last month in Great Britain, a 12-year-old girl was denied the right to wear her niqab in school. Following this ruling, the British government has proposed to give the right to individual schools to prohibit the full-face veil worn by Islamic women. The reasoning behind this proposal is mostly security related (as the safety of children is the number one concern): faculty, staff and students would be unable to identify an intruder if dressed in the religious garb. Authorities also reason that the niqab may make other students may feel uncomfortable and that teachers would be unable to assertain a student's comprehension of material if her face is hidden behind a veil. Muslim organizations in Great Britain are offended as this action, on a certain level, allows descrimination against their faith. These organizations are rallying for the issue to be resolved within schools and discussed amongst the parents of all students. What do you think?

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