Coalition Demands Reinstatement Of Sarika Singh

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Coalition Demands Reinstatement of Sarika Singh

The Coalition to Defend Freedom of Religious and Cultural Expression has today written to the head teacher and school governors of Aberdare Girls’ School asking that they immediately reinstate Sarika Singh who has been repeatedly excluded from school for wearing a small Sikh wristband called a Kara.

Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, Chairman Bruce Kent said:

‘This decision by the head teacher of Aberdare Girls’ School to repeatedly suspend a 14 year old pupil for demonstrating her religious conviction through wearing a small Sikh wristband is a clear infringement upon her right to religious and cultural freedom.

Today I have written to the school calling for Sarika to be immediately let back into the school where she can continue with her education and socialise with her friends.’

The Coalition is demanding the Welsh Assembly and the Minister for Education Jane Davidson intervene and use their influence to bring a swift conclusion to this highly regrettable episode which is offensive to all people of conscience.

ENDS

Notes To Editors

Letter to school:

Dear Ms Rosser

I am writing with regard to the recent suspension of Sarika Singh from your school reportedly for wearing a Sikh bangle (or Kara).

I am concerned to understand whether or not this was the case. Many local education authorities and schools recognise that the wearing of the Kara in schools should be allowed.

At a time when many communities have found that their rights, freedom of conscience and religion is being challenged, I think it is important that the education system is exemplary in its practice of religious tolerance and mutual respect.

Yours sincerely

Bruce Kent

Chair

Coalition to Defend Freedom of religious and Cultural Expression

Notes to editors:

The Coalitions Aims & Objectives

1. To work to defend the right of every individual to freely pursue their beliefs, regardless of creed, gender or ethnicity, subject only to their conscience and to the necessary and proportionate protection of the rights and the freedoms of others

2. To raise awareness of violations of freedom of religious and cultural expression

3. To challenge through constructive means encroachments upon freedom of religious and cultural expression, and promote mutual understanding and respect among individuals of all faiths and none

4. To examine and raise awareness of the existence and extent of religious discrimination and Islamaphobia throughout society - in political discourse, media, education, employment, service provision, and in day-to-day life

STEERING GROUP MEMBERS

Anas Altikriti – The Cordoba Foundation

Andrew Stunell MP

Billy Hayes – Communication Workers Union

Bruce Kent (Chair)

Caroline Lucas MEP

Cllr Salma Yaqoob

Cristina Odone

Diane Abbott MP

Dr Abdul Bari – Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain

Edie Friedman – Jewish Council for Racial Equality

Harpartap Singh - Sikh Federation representative

Ismail Patel – British Muslim Initiative

Jon Cruddas MP

Karen Chouhan – 1990 Trust, Black Londoners Forum

Kate Hudson – Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

Lindsey German – Stop the War

Lord Nazir Ahmed

Milena Buyum – National Assembly Against Racism

Mohammad Sawalha- British Muslim Initiative

Paul Mackney - National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education

Rajnaara Akhtar – Prohijab

Ruqqayah Collector – NUS Black Students Officer

Sir Geoffrey Bindman – Chair, British Institute of Human Rights

Soumaya Ghannoushi – Islam Expo

Steve Sinnott – National Union of Teachers