Muslim student loses prayer ban challenge at Michaela School

In a recent court ruling, a Muslim student at Michaela School has lost her challenge against the school's ban on praying during school hours. The student argued that her religious beliefs required her to pray five times a day, and that the school's ban infringed upon her freedom of religion. However, the court ruled in favor of the school, stating that the ban was necessary to maintain order and discipline within the school environment.

This case raises important questions about religious freedom and accommodation in schools. While it is important for schools to maintain order and discipline, it is also crucial for students to be able to practice their religion freely. It is essential for schools to find a balance between these competing interests, ensuring that students are able to express their religious beliefs while also upholding the rules and regulations of the institution.

Michaela Community School, housed in a seven-storey office block in Brent, has transformed the lives of thousands of children. Its strict ethos and teaching yields top GCSE and A-level results that open the door to Russell Group university places for most of its leavers.

Now, Ms Birbalsingh has a message for prospective parents: “If parents do not like what Michaela is, they do not need to send their children to us.”

High Court judge Mr Justice Linden concluded on Tuesday the ban did not interfere with the student’s rights and was “proportionate” amid the school’s aim to promote an ethos of inclusivity and social cohesion.

Katharine Birbalsingh, the school’s founder and headteacher, said: “A school should be free to do what is right for the pupils it serves.

“The court’s decision is therefore a victory for all schools.

“Schools should not be forced by one child and her mother to change its approach simply because they have decided they don’t like something at the school.”

He concluded that the prayer ritual policy was “proportionate” and its aims and ability to achieve them “outweighs” any “adverse effects” on the rights of Muslim pupils at the school.

The student and her mother said through their lawyers that they were upset with the ruling.

“Even though I lost, I still feel that I did the right thing in seeking to challenge the ban,” the girl said. “I tried my best and was true to myself and my religion.”

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Sarah H

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