Whitman

The hoo-ha surrounding the Muslim class-room assistant who was suspended from work because she refused to take off her niqab (a full veil, as opposed to a hijab, which only covers the hair and neck) has created a bit of a shitstorm in recent weeks with every politician, including our good 'ol PM, throwing their tuppence into the argument.

Whilst I agree to a certain extent that children have a need to see the faces of those who are teaching them, it begs the question of what constitutes as integration in a multiracial country such as the UK. In any democracy, religious freedom is a constitution right, and justifiably so. In the late 60's, Sikh busmen in Wolverhampton won the right to wear their turbans on duty under the Race Relations Act. Male Sikhs are required by their religion not to cut their hair, and wear turbans to contain it. It is a central tenant of their faith, and they wear it with bride whether on the buses or in the army.

Likewise, the Koran states that both men and women have to dress modestly. Although this is open to interpretation, it is a part of their faith, and not one that can easily be questioned by a white man in a suit. Surely asking devout female Muslims to take off their veils is not the best way to create a culture of tolerance or understanding, especially in a time where Islamic, and for that matter, Western culture, is under the spot light. Indeed, it could be argued that fostering tolerance and respect for different cultures should be a definitive goal at school.

I don't, in any circumstances, support fundamentalism of any sort, I can see why certain groups feel that Muslims are persecuted in the West. The fact that the Prime Minister has waded in to the argument seems pretty idiotic at a time when it's reckoned that Britain is now the number one target for Al Qaida. The hornet's nest may just have received another poke.....