Religious schools in the Netherlands may not ban Muslim pupils from wearing headscarves on the basis that it contradicts their ‘core values’. Rather, the ban may only operate if it threatens the pupil’s education. This announcement from the Dutch cabinet responded to questions from the anti-Islam PVV, following controversy regarding a Muslim pupil at a Catholic school in Volendam. The student has subsequently agreed to cover her head only in the assembly hall and school corridors, Telegraaf reports. Education Minister and Home Affairs Minister also dismissed suggestions that wearing headscarves demonstrates gender inequality, stating “fashion dictates all sorts of differences between the way men and women dress”.
February 9 2011
