Uniform row over Muslim girls' modesty robes at Sheffield school resolved
Talks have been held with the academy bosses
A delighted community leader says a school uniform row over a traditional Muslim ‘modesty robe’ has been resolved.
Girls arriving at Fir Vale Academy in the robes, known as abayas, since the start of the new school year had been hit with an internal exclusion - where they are removed from class and do their work in a supervised space - if they wear the Islamic dress, it was claimed.
But after talks, Sheffield Councillor Mustafa Ahmed says the row has been resolved, with girls now handed new options.
It follows talks with the headteacher, who has adapted the rules.
Coun Ahmed said: “The school gave me an update today (Wednesday).
“Young Muslim girls are allow now to wear a very long skirt to their ankles. That means they could wear their abayas. They could go to the school wearing their jumper, so they’ve got the logo of the school on the top, and they wear their abayas.”
He said the girls had been in lesson with their abayas today.
He extended his thanks to all who had been involved in bringing the changes about, including the local mosques and community organisations who had been involved in talks.
The school has told Mr Ahmed that they will continue to work with families and had added adjustments to the uniform rules.
Pupils can now wear:
> Plain black trousers that are loose fitting and comfortable;
> A modesty skirt over their trousers if they need to.
> A long skirt (ankle length) if they do not feel comfortable in trousers.
United Learning Trust, which runs Fir Vale Academy, has been approached for comment.