‘Fear’ that stops school hijab bans

MINISTERS are afraid of setting rules for wearing the Muslim hijab in schools due to political correctness, says the ex-head of Ofsted.

Sir Michael Wilshaw, ex-chief inspector of schools, believes headteachers need clear government guidance, but none has been issued for fear of being seen as Islamophobic.

This left heads ‘alone, isolated and vulnerable’ in the face of fierce parental opposition.

His comments came after East London primary school head Neena Lall was forced to reverse her ban on the hijab for girls under eight after vicious local abuse. She was compared to Hitler in vile videos posted online by parents. Other primaries operate hijab bans, but in some Muslim schools it is compulsory.

Mainstream Islam says the hijab veil is only necessary after puberty – but some hardline communities impose it earlier.

Mr Wilshaw told Radio 5 Live yesterday: ‘The Government needs to step in. It can no longer say it’s up to the headteachers.’

Asked if a fear of being politically incorrect was to blame, he said ‘yes absolutely’ and stressed that it was important for schools not to let religious communities take over.