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The scholar took authorized motion in opposition to the London college, saying the coverage was discriminatory and 'particularly' affected her religion.
A Muslim pupil in the UK has misplaced a court docket problem in opposition to a prime London college's ban on prayer rituals in a case of freedom of faith in faculties, drawing nationwide consideration.
The scholar, who can’t be named, took authorized motion in opposition to Michaela Group Faculty in north-west London, saying the coverage was discriminatory and had a “distinctive” affect on her religion resulting from its ritualistic nature.
They argued that the college's ban on on-site prayer unlawfully violates their proper to non secular freedom and is “a type of discrimination that makes non secular minorities really feel remoted from society”.
In a written choice Tuesday, Justice Thomas Linden rejected the scholar's arguments and dominated that by enrolling on the college she had successfully agreed to be topic to restrictions on expressing her religion.
They concluded that the prayer rituals coverage was “proportionate” and that its targets and the flexibility to attain them had been “considerably better” than any “opposed affect” on the rights of Muslim pupils at college.
The scholar and her mom stated by means of their legal professionals that they had been upset by the choice.
“Regardless that I misplaced, I nonetheless really feel I did the best factor by difficult the ban,” the woman stated. “I attempted my greatest and stayed true to myself and my faith.”
My assertion relating to the choice to ban our prayer rituals in Michaela. pic.twitter.com/88UMC5UYXq
– Katherine Birbalsingh (@Miss_Snuffy) 16 April 2024
The varsity – state-funded however independently run and famend for its tutorial achievement document and strict guidelines – had protested that the coverage imposed final 12 months was justified.
The Excessive Court docket in London was informed that the ban got here after a number of dozen college students prayed within the college courtyard and wore knee-length blazers, the BBC reviews.
The court docket reportedly imposed the brand new guidelines resulting from considerations a couple of “cultural shift” towards “separation between non secular teams and intimidation inside the Muslim pupil physique.”
Responding to the choice, Michaela Group Faculty head instructor Catherine Birbalsingh stated, “A college needs to be free to do what is correct for its pupils.”
“The court docket's choice is a victory for all faculties,” he stated on X.
“Colleges mustn’t pressure a baby and his mom to alter their perspective as a result of they’ve determined they don't like one thing about college.”
Schooling Secretary Gillian Keegan additionally welcomed the choice, saying, “Head academics are in the perfect place to make choices in their very own faculties.”
“Michaela is an impressive college, and I hope this choice will give all college leaders the arrogance to make the best choices for his or her pupils.”