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British high school suspends teacher on accusations she punished children who refused to pray to Allah

by dunkelberg | July 7, 2008 at 02:24 pm

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Parents charge the incident occurred during a class on different religions. Children reportedly were ordered to assume Moslem prayer positions and chant prayers. Those who did not, reports claim, were punished.

The suspension comes one day after reports surfaced about the incident.

Today, a school spokesman said she was suspended over the allegations - but also for 'ongoing inquiries centred around other practical issues'.

Joan Feenan, director of Cheshire County Council's children's services, said: 'This authority is naturally concerned about complaints we have received from parents.

More...

Schoolboys punished with detention for refusing to kneel in class and pray to Allah

'Together with the school, we will be thoroughly investigating those complaints, in a careful and considered manner, and informing parents of the conclusions reached.

'Educating children in Christian and other religious beliefs is part of the national curriculum in secular schools and I'm sure that the great majority of our parents welcome any efforts to further mutual understanding.

'Having said that, this authority also accepts without question that such teaching should be carried out with awareness, sensitivity and sound common sense.

'Alsager is a high performing school with very supportive parents.

'I am confident that this matter will be resolved equitably.'

She also added that suspension was not a disciplinary measure.

The report says the teacher had no comment.
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julianw

at 14:31 on July 7th, 2008

Thanks Dunkelberg. See previous NP coverage here.

dunkelberg

at 14:43 on July 7th, 2008

You're welcome. There's a link to that story in the post as well.

Cheers!

mchawk

at 15:38 on July 8th, 2008

This is a great article, once again hilighting the lack of education and the mass of misunderstandings that plague us.

I'm surprised to see the original article doesn't manage to crowbar the phrase "political correctness gone mad" in somewhere. The story in itself isn't as shocking as the faux-outrage of the parents, whipped into a soundbite-frenzy by the tabloid press.

I won't defend the teacher for their misguided and borderline idiotic teaching efforts, but neither am I going to defend the parents and their reactionary hysteria.

My favourite quote of the original article has to be this nadir of sanity:

"I am not racist, I've been friendly with an Indian for 30 years. I've also been to a Muslim wedding where it was explained to me that alcohol would not be served and I respected that. But if Muslims were asked to go to church on Sunday and take Holy Communion there would be war."

Oh dear.