Originally Posted by eddie00001 (Post 34139478)

If the school was to have the Crescent incorporated into their school logo, that is fine and not an issue.

Originally Posted by danielf (Post 34139474)

Ok then, but if the headscarf is not a symbol of the Muslim faith, then why is it problematic in this case? Because it is optional? So is wearing a cross around your neck, or on your breast. I would think that it is problematic, precisely because it is preceived by some as a symbol of the Muslim faith. Now, presumably, people disagree with pupils being forced to wear religious symbols, in which case it could be argued that the same would apply to logos with a cross? (Mind you, I'd prefer the absence of any religious reference)

Originally Posted by danielf (Post 34139474)

Ok then, but if the headscarf is not a symbol of the Muslim faith, then why is it problematic in this case? Because it is optional?

Originally Posted by foreverwar (Post 34139480)

Unfortunately, it is not optional
OP
"Female students at a new Islamic school will be forced to wear head scarves regardless of their religious beliefs, it emerged today.

Pupils at the Madani High School in Leicester will have to cover their heads as part of the new £17.8million voluntary-aided school's strict uniform policy."

Originally Posted by eddie00001 (Post 34139486)

I think another way to look at this is that forcing the children to wear a headscarf, whether or not they are muslim, would be the same as all children in a CoE/Catholic school to have to wear a neckless with the Cross on it. To me, both are unacceptable and force the child to be identified with a particular faith. Incorporated into their uniform just links them to their school.

Originally Posted by Russ D (Post 34139490)

In some circumstances I disagree - for example if a faith school is exclusive and doesn't take children from any other religion than its own then I don't see a problem with all pupils wearing whatever items or symbols the school deem appropriate.

Originally Posted by Julian (Post 34139491)

If it is not a religious decision as is claimed, then why aren't the boys going to be wearing headscarves too?

Originally Posted by eddie00001 (Post 34139392)

I think though that we should go the way of France and state schools should be secular - no clothing of a religious nature allowed, no religious services etc - this should even be extended to government bodies ie civil service, police etc

Originally Posted by danielf (Post 34139492)

Here's a thought. Let them all (boys + girls) wear hoodies, with the logo on the hood. Job done :tu:

(I'm joking btw)

Originally Posted by eddie00001 (Post 34139486)

I think another way to look at this is that forcing the children to wear a headscarf, whether or not they are muslim, would be the same as all children in a CoE/Catholic school to have to wear a neckless with the Cross on it. To me, both are unacceptable and force the child to be identified with a particular faith. Incorporated into their uniform just links them to their school.

Originally Posted by hatedbythemail (Post 34139519)

but ok for muslim children to have to wear a uniform with the cross on?

Originally Posted by Russ D (Post 34139490)

In some circumstances I disagree - for example if a faith school is exclusive and doesn't take children from any other religion than its own then I don't see a problem with all pupils wearing whatever items or symbols the school deem appropriate.