Headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh Says School’s Prayer Ban “Has Nothing To Do With Disliking Islam”

The headteacher of a school which is facing a legal challenge over its decision to ban prayer rituals has said “it has nothing to do with disliking Islam”. Michaela Community School in Brent, north London, argues allowing such practices risks “undermining inclusion and social cohesion between pupils”, with its ban coming after a “vitriolic campaign of abuse, harassment and threats” against staff. The high-achieving free school, previously dubbed Britain’s strictest, is facing a High Court legal challenge from a Muslim student who claims its approach to prayer on the premises is discriminatory and “uniquely” affects her faith due to its ritualised nature. In her first broadcast interview since the legal challenge, headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh speaks to TalkTV’s Julia Hartley-Brewer to discuss the controversy. Click here for more from TalkTV If you need any help visit: #schools #school #juliahartleybrewer