Muslim representatives in Greater Manchester say Ofsted’s plan to ask young girls in primary schools why they are wearing the hijab is ‘unfair and discriminatory’ and will stigmatise them.
The education watchdog’s chief inspector Amanda Spielman announced last week that pupils wearing hijabs would be questioned with their responses documented in school reports.
It comes amid concerns that some young girls were being forced cover up by their parents.
The policy – which has been widely criticised by religious communities – was announced after Ms Spielman met with Muslim and secular campaigners who want a ban on hijabs in primary schools.
Now Greater Manchester’s Muslim leaders have responded with a strongly-worded joint statement signed by the Manchester Council of Mosques, Stockport Muslims, Bolton Council of Mosques, Oldham Mosques Council and the Rochdale Council of Mosques. [Manchester Evening News] Read more
