On Tuesday 12th January it was reported that the parents of a Muslim girl who refused to wear a knee-length skirt to school are being threatened with possible court action.
12-year-old Siham Hamud had worn an ankle-length skirt to school for years but according to The Times, she was last month told that it was incorrect school uniform. According to her father, Idris Hamud, Siham had been sent home every day last month and told to come back wearing the correct uniform but she refused because it was “against her religious beliefs”.
Uxbridge High School, in Hillingdon, west London, states that girls should wear black trousers or a black pleated skirt from official uniform suppliers. But the family have registered their protests stating that the pleated skirt falls above the knee. The school sent Mr Hamud and his wife, Salma Yusuf, 44, a letter last month.
It noted, “Siham’s absence is being recorded as unauthorised. Unauthorised absence may result in a fine being issued or legal action being taken against the adults who have parental responsibility or day-to-day care of your child. Legal action can be in the form of a penalty notice or a summons to the magistrates’ court. I must ask that you support the school and your daughter by ensuring that she attends school in full school uniform with immediate effect.”
Speaking to The Times, Siham, said: “It feels like bullying because of what I believe. I hope they’ll change their rules so that girls like me wear long skirts to school.”
Mr Hamud, an athletics coach, said: “I don’t know why her skirt has suddenly become an issue. She’s always been a bright girl, one of the top in her class, and she loved school — and they just keep sending her home. Siham makes her own decisions about her religion, and I can’t make her wear clothes she doesn’t want to wear, so neither should the school.”
