Schools Violating Religious Rights Under Investigation For Banning Hijab
The Ministry of Education is looking into many schools for allegedly preventing Muslim pupils from dressing in religious garb.
Mariam Sheikh, a candidate for the Mandera senate, claimed that some institutions forbid Muslim students from wearing the headscarf and trousers.
She claimed that some of them have now been forced to look for alternative institutions that uphold their religious practises as a result of this.
She asked, “Is the Cabinet Secretary aware that Muslim students in some public schools, particularly at the Kenya High School and Alliance Girls High School, are not permitted to wear hijabs and trousers in addition to the required school uniform, forcing some of them to seek admission in other schools?”
CS education On Wednesday, Ezekiel Machogu informed the Parliament that it is likewise unconstitutional to interfere with students’ religious freedoms.
But according to Machogu, the Ministry has not been informed of any claims of particular wrongdoing at Kenya High School or Alliance Girls High School.
According to Machogu, “I’ve sent a team to investigate the situation and provide its findings for appropriate action in response to the Senator’s question.”
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“I want to reassure this house that any discrimination that may be found will be eliminated,” he said.
He continued by saying that the Ministry has issued a directive to all County Directors of Education instructing them to make sure that no violation of a student’s right to freedom of religion occurs in any institutions of fundamental education that fall under their purview.
Our schools must be safe and welcoming for every student, according to Machogu. “I assure you that the Ministry has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, and action will be taken immediately.”
The secretary of state exhorted lawmakers and members of the public to report violations of religious freedom in schools right away.
Any reports of violations will be properly investigated, and anyone found guilty will face prompt punishment, according to Machogu.
No student shall be barred from wearing hijabs and turbans, as stated in Ministry regulations.
Islamic, Christian, or Hindu religious teaching should not be mandated for students.
Additionally, it is not appropriate to stop pupils from participating in religious observances and devotions.
According to Machogu, a minor’s access to their right to a fundamental education cannot be denied on the basis of their religious convictions or practises.
Every child is entitled to a free and required basic education, as stated in Article 53 of the Constitution.
In accordance with these clauses, the Ministry is putting its 100% transition strategy into practise to guarantee that all kids acquire a foundational education and move on to the next level.
Schools Violating Religious Rights Under Investigation For Banning Hijab