A school that had threatened the parents of a Muslim schoolgirl with legal action after she wore a skirt that was deemed “too long” has dropped its legal challenge and apologised.
Siham Hamud, 12, had described being bullied for her religious beliefs after being sent home every day in December from Uxbridge high school in Hillingdon, west London, and told to only come back when she wore a shorter skirt.
The school had threatened the family with legal action over their daughter’s alleged unauthorised absences. But Siham’s parents had always maintained that shorter skirts contravened the family’s religious beliefs.
Three months after first issuing the family with the legal threat, the school has now reversed its decision. Describing it as a difficult period, Siham’s father, Idris Hamud, 55, said the family were relieved.
In a statement released by the family lawyers, Mishcon de Reya, Hamud said he was pleased that the school had listened to the family’s concerns and concluded that they were justified in raising the issue.
“We are very happy that Siham has been able to resume her schooling, with her right to practice her faith by wearing an ankle-length skirt in the same style as the school uniform skirt now accommodated by the school,” he said.
The statement revealed that the school had sent the family a letter of apology and had now confirmed that it would not be taking legal action for the time Siham was unable to attend school.
“We thank the school for its willingness to work towards a fair and positive outcome,” Hamud said. “This has been a difficult period and we are relieved to now have the matter concluded. We are grateful for the support we have received from the wider community.”
Siham had been wearing an ankle-length skirt to school for years, but said she was shocked when teachers told her last year that her attire was incorrect uniform. The school says girls should wear black trousers or a black pleated skirt from official uniform suppliers.
She previously described feeling bullied for her beliefs. “It makes me feel left out, because I can’t see my friends. They aren’t accepting me for my religion and that’s wrong,” she said. “I feel confused and annoyed that I can’t wear what I want for my religion. I hope they’ll change their rules so that girls like me wear skirts to school.”
A new school rule about the length of skirts was introduced two years ago, stating shorter branded skirts had to be worn.
But the family claim they only recently became aware of this change, and Siham continued wearing her longer skirt, unaware she was breaking any rules, until she was spoken to by teachers on 1 December.
On that day she was sent home to change, but did not return to school. The same thing happened each day for the three weeks of term in December, her family said.
Siham’s older sisters, Sumayyah, 19, and Ilham, 17, both wore longer skirts to school without issue. Hamud, an athletics coach, previously said his daughter was being denied an education because of her religious beliefs. The school sent the parents a letter on 9 December threatening action.
The school has been contacted for a comment.
The Link LonkMarch 16, 2021 at 08:01PM
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School drops legal action after Muslim girl told her skirt was too long - The Guardian
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