A ROTHERHAM school has scrapped plans to serve only Halal meat at Christmas after protests from parents and an appeal by the town's MP.
Oakwood Comprehensive - where around 20 per cent of pupils are Muslim - said only chicken killed by the traditional Halal method would be served to pupils on the school's special Christmas menu.
But the school has had a rethink after Rotherham MP De
nis MacShane backed parents who said it was another example of the British Christmas being undermined.
Today Oakwood headteacher Jan Charters said it would now be serving up turkey and a vegetarian alternative for pupils.
"Having listened to the concerns of some of our parents, we have agreed to provide turkey as an alternative to Halal chicken and a vegetarian option so we can cater for everyone," she said.
Mrs Charters said that including Halal chicken on the £1.75p Christmas menu was an attempt to bring a "spirit of inclusion" to the traditional dinner.
She said the school's suppliers had assured her the method of slaughter was humane and it had been decided not to serve turkey because of complaints in the past.
But some parents and pupils had objected to the Halal chicken on humane grounds because the Muslim method of killing involves animals having their throats cut.
"When we discussed the Christmas dinner we said there was nothing to stop anyone from eating the main course because it will be Halal, although the Muslim pupils will not eat the sausage or bacon rolls."
But Mr MacShane said: "Schools should offer a choice and not allow the joyous celebration of a Christmas dinner to become a divisive issue.
"No child should be allowed to eat food that is contrary to their personal convictions or religion. I hope all the children can join in the fun.
"If I am invited I would be delighted to sit down with all the children for a Christmas dinner, Halal, non-Halal or the healthy vegetarian option."
Parent Rachel Johnson from Kimberworth, who has two daughters at the school, said: "This is not a racial issue. It is a matter of principle. Why can't the non-Muslim kids enjoy traditional Christmas fare.
"This is a multi-racial, multi-religious school and should be catering for the needs of everyone, not just the Muslim section."
Rotherham Council's Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion Coun Mahroof Hussain said: "Christmas is an important time in everybody's life in Britain and we should celebrate it.
"If we are talking about food we should have a choice, but that is a decision for the school's governing body."
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