New Delhi: A Muslim scholar misplaced a authorized battle towards her UK college, which had prohibited on-site prayer rituals. Citing non secular freedom, the muslim scholar had contested the choice of Michaela Group College. In keeping with studies, she had alleged discrimination that uniquely impacted her religion resulting from its ritualized nature.
She argued that the varsity’s ban on on-site prayer violated her proper to spiritual freedom and contributed to the alienation of spiritual minorities. The northwest London college is understood for its educational excellence and strict rules. In keeping with the studies, the varsity justified its coverage which it had carried out the earlier yr, in response to college students praying within the yard, using blazers as kneeling pads.
The varsity cited issues concerning a possible ‘tradition shift’ in direction of non secular segregation and intimidation amongst Muslim college students prompted the enactment of the brand new guidelines. In a written judgment, Decide Thomas Linden rejected the coed’s claims, asserting that by enrolling on the college, she implicitly accepted restrictions on expressing her religion. He deemed the prayer coverage proportional, stating that its targets outweighed any hostile results on Muslim college students’ rights.
Headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh hailed the court docket’s choice as a victory for colleges’ autonomy, emphasizing that colleges shouldn’t be compelled to change their practices primarily based on the preferences of a single scholar and her mum or dad. She mentioned, “a college must be free to do what is true for the pupils it serves. The court docket’s choice is due to this fact a victory for all colleges. Colleges shouldn’t be pressured by one baby and her mom to vary its method just because they’ve determined they do not like one thing on the college.”
In keeping with studies, Training Secretary Gillian Keegan echoed help for the ruling, affirming that faculty leaders are greatest suited to make choices for his or her establishments, and praising Michaela as an excellent college.
