https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/st-stephens-in-newham-bans-hijabs-for-girls-under-8-f53t3wlxg

Neena Lall, the headteacher of St Stephen Primay school in Newham has just announced that they will be banning the hijab and fasting for their students at school.

They have placed in the uniform policy, restrictions on the age which children can wear the hijab (currently 8 years old) but this sets precedent for further and harsher religious regulation.  

They have also called upon the Department of Education to play a larger role in the creation of stricter regulations applicatable to all schools regarding these areas.

Freedom of expression is a must regardless of age.

The UN convention on the Rights of Children:

Article 14

1. States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

2. States Parties shall respect the rights and duties of the parents and, when applicable, legal guardians, to provide direction to the child in the exercise of his or her right in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child.

3. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.

#LeaveourHijab

It’s not yours to regulate, dictate, discuss or limit.
Religious expression that does not encroach on your freedom and does not require your permission or allowance.

If we allow them to take this step towards regulating the hijab, the cycle will not end and we will regress towards a society which does not allow diversity, inclusion and individuality.

The hijab represents a choice and to remove it is the very oppression which actors claim to prevent.
We cannot and will not stand for this and for that reason to Neena Lall, we say Leave our Hijab!

It’s not a request or a plea, it’s demand.

So that individuality, personal choice, heritage, culture and expression remain free and unregulated within the education system.

Taking this step towards limiting the hijab is the first step towards the regulation of freedom in the UK and we shouldn’t allow it to happen!

#leaveourhijab