A school that threatened the parents of a Muslim schoolgirl with a lawsuit after she wore a skirt that was deemed “too long” has dropped its legal challenge and apologized.
Siham Hamud, 12, was said to have been bullied for her religious beliefs after being sent home every day in December from Uxbridge High School in Hillingdon, west London, and was told that she would return when she wore a shorter skirt.
The school had threatened the family with a lawsuit over their daughter’s unauthorized absence. But Siham ‘s parents have always insisted that shorter skirts went against the family’ s religious beliefs.
Three months after putting the family at legal risk, the school has now decided to reverse it. Describing it as a difficult time, Siham’s father, Idris Hamud, 55, said the family was relieved.
In a statement released by the family’s lawyers, Mishcon de Reya, Hamud said he was pleased the school had listened to the family’s concerns and noted that they were reasonable in the issue.
“We are delighted that Siham has been able to resume her scholarship, with her right to exercise her faith by wearing an ankle length skirt in the same style as the school uniform skirt now at school, “he said.
The statement revealed that the school had sent a letter of apology to the family and had now confirmed that they would not take legal action for the time Siham was unable to attend school.
“We are grateful to the school for its willingness to work towards a fair and positive outcome,” said Hamud. “This is a difficult time and we are now delighted to look forward to the issue.” We are grateful for the support we received from the wider community. “
Siham had been wearing an ankle length skirt to school for years, but said she was shocked when teachers told her last year that her uniform was not wrong. The school says girls should wear black trousers or a black pleated skirt from official clothing suppliers.
She had previously said she was being bullied for her beliefs. “It makes me feel outside, because I can’t see my friends.” They don’t accept me for my faith and that’s wrong, ”she said. “I feel upset and frustrated that I can’t spend what I want for my faith. “I hope they change their rules so that girls like me wear skirts to school.”
A new school rule on skirt lengths was introduced two years ago, saying skirts with a shorter logo were required.
But the family say they did not become aware of this change recently, and Siham continued to wear her skirt longer, unaware that she was breaking any rules, until teachers spoke to her about it. December 1st.
That day she was sent home to change, but did not return to school. The same thing happened every day for the three weeks of term in December, her family said.
Siham’s older sisters, Sumayyah, 19, and Ilham, 17, had longer skirts in school without question. Hamud, a former athletics coach, said a girl had previously been denied an education because of her religious beliefs. The school sent a letter to parents on December 9 threatening action.
The school has been communicating for feedback.