British Schools Urged to Change Classes, Sports Days for Ramadan

British educators are being encouraged to alter curriculum, sports events and final exams to “show sensitivity” and support for Muslim students fasting during Ramadan.

The pamphlet has been published by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), which represents more than 18,000 head teachers and college leaders.

The report – which was authored by ‘inclusion specialist’ Anna Cole – warns: ‘Young people should be made aware that Islam does not require them to put their futures in jeopardy.’
It also says that despite a ‘combination of long days, higher temperatures as well as examinations’ putting extra pressure on young Muslims, many will still opt to participate in Ramadan.

The ASCL research paper concludes that primary-aged children should not fast and makes a series of recommendations to secondary school head teachers to ‘ease the pressure’ on Muslim students.

British educators are being encouraged to alter curriculum, sports events and final exams to “show sensitivity” and support for Muslim students fasting during Ramadan.

The ASCL is not showing primary-aged children any special consideration or humanity by stating educators shouldn’t encourage their fasting. It is instead that Islam does not mandate pre-pubescent children fast during Ramadan.

Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that most young students voluntarily “opt to participate” in fasting during Ramadan.

It continues: ‘School and college leaders will also want to consider the possible impact fasting and late night prayers during Ramadan may have on Muslim children when setting dates for other activities, such as sports days, trips and celebrations.’

The paper – which the authors hope will be a ‘positive opportunity for engagement – was devised in consultation with scholars from across the spectrum of Islamic religion.

The guidelines state: ‘Observing Ramadan may bring many benefits to individuals and communities, but also has the potential to cause the individual temporary hardship through hunger and lack of liquids during fasting hours which may impact on physical wellbeing and cognitive performance.

Religious accommodations and the social acceptance or compliance with abuse by educators are two very different things. Forcing children to fast is primitive. It is ludicrous that educators are being instructed to accommodate adolescent fasting.

It advises invigilators to avoid suggesting to students that they have a ‘tiny sip of water’ while sitting in hot exam rooms unless there is concern that they are suffering from dehydration.

Schools are also asked to provide prayer rooms as well as to make sure exam rooms are in the shade with fans and bottles of water available.

Make sure the bottles of water are in plain view of the children. But, God forbid someone steps in and intervenes between them and their parent’s fanatical religious customs or give the child a sip of water. The entire premise of this discussion on Ramadan exists because it’s an obvious fact that children are going to be dehydrated.

Source: Dailymail