She challenged the ban on prayers at her school, a London educational establishment known for its strict rules. Considering herself the victim of a discriminatory policy, a student attacked the “Michaela Community School”, a “free” school located in Wembley, a district of north-west London, before the High Court of Justice. But, this Tuesday, April 16, the school won its case against the young girl.
During the trial, the student argued that the school's stance on prayer, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, went against his religious freedom and represented ” the kind of discrimination that makes religious minorities feel alienated from society “. The school, for its part, said the prayers harmed “ inclusion » between the students.
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The school explained that it had banned them due to a “ cultural change » marked with “ segregation between religious groups and intimidation » among Muslim students. Ruling in favor of the establishment this Tuesday, the judge considered that there was “ a rational connection between the aim of promoting school team spirit, inclusiveness, social cohesion and the policy regarding the prayer ritual “.
“ The disadvantage caused to Muslim students by the school's policy on prayer is, in my view, outweighed by the objective of promoting the interests of the entire school (students), including Muslims. », added the magistrate. The head of the establishment, Katharine Birbalsingh, reacted on X: “ A school should be free to do what is right for its students “. And to add: “ The Court's decision is a victory for all schools “.
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The government welcomes the decision
This school, created in 2014, is often presented in the media as “the strictest” from the United Kingdom. It is financed by the State but its management is independent. It was co-founded by Suella Braverman, former interior minister, very right-wing. “ We are different. We make tradition fashionable », It is written on the school’s website. At the trial, it was said that half of its 700 students are Muslim.
Education Minister Gillian Keegan welcomed the ruling, saying school leaders “ were best placed to make decisions about their school “. And to expect: “ Michaela is an excellent school and I hope this judgment will give school principals the confidence to make good decisions for their students “.
