The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Dutch government to end the ban on students praying in schools.
Students across the Netherlands are reporting bans on prayer during school hours, with some even facing punishments for attempting to pray at school. Over 180 secondary schools have been named by students who say they are not allowed to pray during breaks or between classes. The ban primarily affects Muslims students who pray five times a day, but Christian students have also reported being prevented from praying.
SEE: Students not allowed to pray at school; Mainly Muslims affected | NL Times
“Religious freedom is an essential component of our global civilization,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “The Dutch government should immediately rescind its restrictions on the students’ right to worship in school.”
For American students and families, CAIR offers an updated “Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices” containing information on Islamic religious practices, dietary needs, as well as tips on curriculum issues and family life sex education. Its focus is on K-12 settings.
SEE: CAIR’s Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
CAIR also encourages parents and educators to review its Ramadan Accommodation Toolkit, which provides essential guidance for schools on ensuring Muslim students can observe Ramadan comfortably and without barriers.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com