Religious Prejudice

 

In a class, the teacher/trainer suggests a group activity and tells students/learners to gather themselves in groups of 3 or 4. They are asked to go through the case studies below, discuss and suggest how they would handle such an issue in their classroom:

 

 

 

Clara is Muslim and expresses her faith by wearing a hijab (headscarf). On her first day at a new state high school, Clara wore her hijab even though the uniform does not include it. Her teacher took her aside and told her that she needed to put the hijab away during the day, but can wear it home, after she leaves the school grounds. Clara explained that she wishes to wear the hijab for religious reasons and feels undressed without it. The teacher gave Clara detention.

 

• How would you feel in the position of Clara?

 

 

• What would be the arguments of Clara for continuing to wear her headscarf at school?

 

 

• If you were the teacher, how would you handle this situation?

 

 

• What is your opinion on this subject matter? How should be handled culturally diverse students? Share your experiences with the rest of the group and describe how such problems were resolved in your case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Source of testimonies: Equal Opportunities 4 schools, available at http://www.eo4schools.net.au/school-life/discrimination/disability

 

 

[2] Source of testimonies: Equal Opportunities 4 schools, available at http://www.eo4schools.net.au/school-life/discrimination/disability

 

 

[3] Source of testimonies: The experiences of gay young people in Britain’s schools in 2012, available at  http://www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/school_report_2012.pdf

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