The hearing over a 'prayer ban' at Michaela Community School is expected to conclude today.
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A challenge made by a Muslim pupil over the banning of prayer rituals at Michaela Community School is being heard in the High Court.
The decision was made in March 2023 by headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh following harassment when pupils were seen praying outside.
Labour MP Wes Streeting called on the Home Secretary at the end of last year to safeguard Muslim communities after a threatening letter was sent to a Muslim school in Redbridge.
The government made an additional £4.9m available for protective security at mosques and Muslim faith schools for 2023 and 2024.
Sarah Hannett KC, representing the pupil who cannot be named, argued that the ban was uniquely on Muslim prayer which has to be observed at specific times of the day.
Roughly half of the school’s 700 pupils are Muslim.
The school is opposing the legal challenge made by a pupil who says the ban “fundamentally changed” how she feels about her religion.
‘Threats of violence’
The school, based in Brent, faced a backlash over the policy and subsequently received accusations of Islamophobia along with “threats of violence”, resulting in staff fearing for their safety.
Ms. Birbalsingh feared that publicization of the hearing would increase the risk of attacks on the school.
Mr Justice Linden concluded: “I do not accept that the evidence in this case establishes a risk to the lives or safety of members of the school staff or the school community that would justify holding the hearing in private.”
Jason Koppel KC, who is representing the school, will set the defence to the case on Wednesday, 17 January when the hearing is expected to conclude.
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HeadlineHearing to conclude over north-west London school’s ‘prayer ban’
Short HeadlineHigh Court hearing over school 'prayer ban' to conclude
StandfirstA pupil has brought a High Court challenge against Michaela Community School.
A challenge made by a Muslim pupil over the banning of prayer rituals at Michaela Community School is being heard in the High Court.
The decision was made in March 2023 by headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh following harassment when pupils were seen praying outside.
Labour MP Wes Streeting called on the Home Secretary at the end of last year to safeguard Muslim communities after a threatening letter was sent to a Muslim school in Redbridge.
The government made an additional £4.9m available for protective security at mosques and Muslim faith schools for 2023 and 2024.
Sarah Hannett KC, representing the pupil who cannot be named, argued that the ban was uniquely on Muslim prayer which has to be observed at specific times of the day.
Roughly half of the school’s 700 pupils are Muslim.
The school is opposing the legal challenge made by a pupil who says the ban “fundamentally changed” how she feels about her religion.
‘Threats of violence’
The school, based in Brent, faced a backlash over the policy and subsequently received accusations of Islamophobia along with “threats of violence”, resulting in staff fearing for their safety.
Ms. Birbalsingh feared that publicization of the hearing would increase the risk of attacks on the school.
Mr Justice Linden concluded: “I do not accept that the evidence in this case establishes a risk to the lives or safety of members of the school staff or the school community that would justify holding the hearing in private.”
Jason Koppel KC, who is representing the school, will set the defence to the case on Wednesday, 17 January when the hearing is expected to conclude.
