A Sheffield school has been accused of placing Muslim girls in internal exclusion and giving them detentions for wearing abayas.
Parents have raised concerns about Fir Vale Academy, where girls are said to have been removed from lessons after arriving at school wearing the loose-fitting robe worn by some Muslim women and girls.
The school’s published uniform guidance allows plain black hijabs but does not mention abayas.
Burngreave Green councillor Mustafa Ahmed has criticised the situation and called for a public meeting.
Councillor Raises Concerns Over Treatment Of Pupils
Councillor Ahmed said he had been contacted by parents and members of the local community about the treatment of Muslim girls at the academy.
He said: “I am speaking out following serious concerns raised by parents and members of the local community about the treatment of Muslim girls at Fir Vale Academy over Islamic clothing, including the wearing of abayas.”
He said pupils should not be made to feel that practising their faith is something they should be ashamed of.
“I fully support the right of Muslim pupils to wear modest Islamic clothing in accordance with their religious beliefs, while also recognising that schools have uniform rules and responsibilities,” he said.
“The question is whether those rules are being applied fairly, reasonably and with proper regard for the religious and cultural identity of the children they serve.”
Claims Of Internal Exclusion And Detention
Councillor Ahmed said parents had told him that some girls wearing abayas had been placed in internal exclusion for the entire school day.
He said some were then also given detention.
“These are serious claims, and they must be properly investigated and addressed,” he said.
“No child should spend an entire school day isolated from their classmates simply because of what they are wearing for religious reasons.”
The claims have not yet been independently established, and the school trust has been approached for its response.
School Uniform Guidance Mentions Hijabs
Fir Vale Academy’s uniform guidance states that pupils choosing to wear a hijab should wear a plain black, unpatterned one.
A letter sent to parents on September 11 reminded families about uniform expectations.
It stated: “Please ensure that your child: wears a plain black, unpatterned hijab if choosing to wear one.”
The letter also said uniform expectations applied to every student and that staff would challenge concerns consistently.
Parents were asked to check their child’s uniform before school to avoid disruption to learning.
Abayas Not Mentioned In Correspondence
The correspondence does not specifically mention abayas.
An abaya is a long, loose-fitting robe worn by some Muslim women and girls as a form of modest dress.
The dispute therefore centres on whether the school’s general uniform policy is being applied in a way that is fair and proportionate to pupils who wear the garment for religious reasons.
Councillor Calls For Dialogue
Councillor Ahmed said he was not seeking confrontation but wanted dialogue between the school, parents and the wider community.
He said: “This is not about creating division between communities.”
He added that Fir Vale serves a diverse part of Sheffield and that Muslim families should feel their children belong at the school.
“Our children should be able to walk through the school gates feeling that they belong,” he said.
United Learning, which runs Fir Vale Academy, has been approached for comment.
