Two schoolboys were given detention after refusing to kneel down and ‘pray to Allah’ during a religious education lesson.
Parents were outraged that the two boys from year seven (11 to 12-year-olds) were punished for not wanting to take part in the practical demonstration of how Allah is worshipped.
They said forcing their children to take part in the exercise at Alsager High School, near Stoke-on-Trent - which included wearing Muslim headgear - was a breach of their human rights.
Not only was it forced upon them, my daughter was told off for not doing it right.
“They’d never done it before and they were supposed to do it in another language.”
“My child has been forced to pray to Allah in a school lesson.” The grandfather of one of the pupils in the class said: “It’s absolutely disgusting, there’s no other way of putting it.
“My daughter and a lot of other mothers are furious about their children being made to kneel on the floor and pray to Islam. If they didn’t do it they were given detention.
“My daughter and a lot of other mothers are furious about their children being made to kneel on the floor and pray to Islam. If they didn’t do it they were given detention.
Absolutely disgusting! I'd like to thank the grandfather of one of the pupils in the class for my new tag line.
The teacher was suspended. I might add that this was one rather stupid teacher, not a policy.
‘Teacher suspended for ‘punishing children who did not pray to Allah’
By Daily Telegraph reporter
08/07/2008
A teacher has been suspended amid claims she punished two children who refused to worship Allah during a Religious Education lesson.
Alison Phillips, head (!) of RE at Cheshire’s respected Alsager High School, allegedly disciplined the Year 7 duo claiming they were disrespectful for refusing to kneel down and pray.......
After giving the two boys detention the school was believed to have received several complaints from parents about the long-standing teacher.
Today, a school spokesman said she was suspended over the allegations - but also for “ongoing inquiries centred around other practical issues”.
Joan Feenan, director of Cheshire County Council’s children’s services, said: “This authority is naturally concerned about complaints we have received from parents.............
“Together with the school, we will be thoroughly investigating those complaints, in a careful and considered manner, and informing parents of the conclusions reached.
“Educating children in Christian and other religious beliefs is part of the national curriculum in secular schools and I’m sure that the great majority of our parents welcome any efforts to further mutual understanding. ?????
“Having said that, this authority also accepts without question that such teaching should be carried out with awareness, sensitivity and sound common sense.
“Alsager is a high performing school with very supportive parents.
“I am confident that this matter will be resolved equitably.”
She also added that suspension was not a disciplinary measure.
One parent, Karen Williams, said after hearing the claims: “I am absolutely furious my daughter was made to take part in it and I don’t find it acceptable.
“I haven’t got a problem with them teaching my child other religions and a small amount of information doesn’t do any harm.
“But not only did they have to pray, the teacher had gone into the class and made them watch a short film and then said ‘We are now going out to pray to Allah’.
“And then two boys got detention and all the other children missed their refreshments break because of the teacher.”
The incident was believed to have taken place during a practical demonstration of how the prophet is worshipped.’