A school is being sued by a Muslim
couple after it banned pupils from wearing the traditional Islamic headscarf.
They launched their legal battle
with St Cyprian's Greek Orthodox primary in south London after withdrawing
their nine-year-old from the school when she was banned from wearing one.
The parents say it would be a sin
for their daughter's head to be uncovered while in the presence of male
teachers as she has 'reached puberty'.
After failing to gain the support of
the school governors, they have now launched a legal action to overturn the
ban.
The school now faces a High Court
Case amid claims that the uniform policy is a violation of the child's
religious freedom.
But Kate Magliocco, head of St
Cyprian's Greek Orthodox Primary School in Thornton Heath, south London, said
the parents were informed about their uniform policy when their child, whose
brother remains a pupil at the school, was first admitted at seven.
She said: 'The school is being taken
to the High Court by parents of a Muslim girl.
'They believe that, because she is
nine, she has reached puberty and it would be a sin for her not to be covered
because the school has male teachers.
'The decision not to allow her to
wear a headscarf was taken by the governing body.
'The school has a very particular
uniform policy, which is shared with parents and, as head, I must follow the
plan.
'The pupil in question came to us
from a private school.
'Her parents actively chose us and,
before she arrived, we held a meeting which included details of the uniform
plan.'
She added: 'They are a really nice
family and it is a regrettable situation for both sides.'
Government guidance on school
uniforms states that schools should 'act reasonably' in accommodating religious
beliefs when it comes to hair, clothes and jewellery, but heads have the final
word on restricting religious dress.
Admission details on the school's
website begin with the promise: 'The children of St Cyprian's will be equipped
with the knowledge, skills and spirituality to enable them to achieve their full
potential and to prepare them to contribute positively to the challenges of a
diverse multi-cultural society.'
It adds that the school will
'respect the religious beliefs and practice of all staff, pupils and parents'.
The uniform policy on the school
website requires girls to wear a dark blue coat, an optional blazer, a skirt,
white blouse and a navy blue pullover, but it does not mention a ban on
headscarves.
There have been a number of legal
challenges launched after pupils fell foul of school dress policy on religious
and racial grounds.
Shabina Begum successfully
challenged her Luton school, which had refused top allow her to wear a
traditional gown, six years ago. The judgement was later overturned.
A court hearing is due to take place
next month.
dailymail.co.uk
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