Jon Clarke (Publisher & Editor)A MUSLIM schoolgirl has been suspended for wearing an Islamic headscarf to school.
Najwa Malha, 16, was banned from the Camilo Jose Cela school, near Madrid, for violating the dress code.
Malha, born in Spain to Moroccan immigrants, began wearing a hijab two months ago to express her religious beliefs.
“I feel totally discriminated against”
The school’s decision has divided opinion across Spain and led to widespread debate.
It is believed that Malha’s classmates support her decision, but regional authorities have backed the school’s stance.
“I feel totally discriminated against,” Malha said.
However, her father, Mohammed, revealed that he didn’t agree with his daughter’s decision to begin wearing the headscarf.
“I asked her to reconsider because I figured it would cause her problems,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Association of Moroccan Workers and Immigrants criticised the state school.
“For the past several weeks Najwa Malha could not go to her school, which is contrary to her right to a basic education guaranteed by the constitution,” said the association’s head, Kamal Ramoini.
There is a security issue here. Allowing people to walk around a public building, shop, transport or any other security sensitive area with their face covered is potentially dangerous and should not be allowed.