Schools 'should accommodate Muslim needs'
The Guardian (UK) ^ | February 20, 2007 | Riazat Butt
education.guardian.co.uk
State schools should avoid sex education classes and swimming lessons during Ramadan to cater for the needs of Muslim pupils, says the Muslim Council of Britain.
The recommendations, issued today, are included in a 72-page document of Muslim-friendly guidelines on topics such as uniform, halal meals, issues relating to Ramadan, physical education and sex education.
The report, called Towards Greater Understanding, draws on existing educational practices and is aimed at ensuring Muslim pupils are 'appropriately accommodated for' so they become part of mainstream school life.
The MCB claims Muslim pupils may consider it too risky to swim during Ramadan as 'the potential for swallowing water is very high' and they may break their fast. It suggests that schools with a significant number of Muslim pupils should try to avoid scheduling swimming lessons during Ramadan to 'remove unnecessary barriers to full participation'.
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According to the MCB, there are more than 400,000 Muslim pupils in the UK and 96% are in the state sector.
Tahir Alam, who wrote the report, said: "It's not about special or separate treatment. It's about recognising the needs of Muslim children. We're not asking every school to do that, just where there's a Muslim majority.
"Almost every guideline is being practiced by a school somewhere in Britain. We're showing what can be done and schools can learn what's important for their Muslim pupils and why."
Other recommendations include allowing Muslim pupils to opt out of activities involving dance, music or drama - because their parents could object to it on religious grounds - and allowing pupils to grow beards.
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