CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • Nazam Hour
    Saturday, 7:05 pm - 8:00 pm
    [ - ]

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


UK School Principal Defends Prayer Ban Amid Legal Battle, Citing Need for Inclusive Learning Environment

Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
18 January 2024 | 15:30

2 min read

Photo Credit: EdCentral

The principal of Michaela Community School in Brent, facing legal action over a prayer ban, has defended the policy, emphasising its necessity for maintaining a conducive learning environment for students of all races and religions. The case, brought by a Muslim pupil seeking to overturn the ban, alleges discrimination.

Katharine Birbalsingh, the school’s founder, asserted that the ban was introduced due to pupils praying in the playground amidst a backdrop of violence and racial harassment. Jason Coppel KC, representing the school trust, highlighted the adverse impact on behaviour and growing segregation between Muslim and non-Muslim pupils.

The situation escalated with a public campaign on social media and an online petition, resulting in a contentious environment. Alleged incidents included peer pressure, a Muslim girl leaving the choir due to religious reasons, and accusations of being “bad Muslims” for not praying.

Coppel underscored the head’s commitment to social cohesion, describing measures like a vegetarian “family lunch” and supervised socialisation to foster inclusivity. In defence, Birbalsingh stated that the school aimed to uphold its culture and ethos, uniting children from diverse backgrounds.

The court learned that the prayer ban was a response to an increased number of students praying during lunch, with incidents of bringing prayer mats without permission. Birbalsingh clarified that the decision was made to restore order and protect all students from bullying, intimidation, and harassment.

The legal proceedings revealed the impact on the Muslim pupil, who felt a sense of guilt and unhappiness due to the inability to pray at school. The pupil’s lawyer argued for reconsidering the ban, suggesting prayers could occur in classrooms and take only five minutes.

A ruling on the case is anticipated later.

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

A Committed Vision: Zaahira Essay Jogee

A Committed Vision: Zaahira Essay Jogee

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 24 July 2025 3-minute read The gift of sight is often taken for granted, but there are countless individuals in South Africa’s rural communities who live in silence, suffering from preventable or treatable vision problems,...

read more
The Middle East Report

The Middle East Report

25 July 2025 | 12:03 CAT 3-minute read Ceasefire flounders while Gaza crisis deepens Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza have once again stalled, as the latest round of negotiations between US, Israeli, and Qatari officials collapsed in Sardinia this week. Middle...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments