DUBAI: A Muslim woman is suing a top London school amid claims she cannot wear her veil on its premises.
Single mother Rachida Serroukh, 37, explained to UK daily, The Guardian, that staff at Holland Park School, in West London, had told her that the ban was part of the school’s “health and safety” rules.
The childcare assistant said she had attended an event for parents of new students when she was approached by a member of staff.
“I was very shaken and was in a state of shock about what had happened. I had never experienced anything like this before.
“I have experienced name calling in the street from strangers about my veil but nothing like this had ever happened before. When I got home, I just broke down.”
She told the newspaper she always lifted her veil and provided photo identification. And she said received “no problem” from security at the school gates.
Responding to a message from Serroukh, the school’s deputy head teacher said in an e-mail that the school had no written policy banning veils.
But he added: “We are now considering a written amendment to our health and safety policy to include this specific requirement.”
