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30 May 2007
BRUSSELS – Hundreds of students of the Koninklijk Atheneum Andrée Thomas demonstrated in front of their school this morning against the planned ban on headscarves at the institution.
The administration of the school, which has a great many Muslim students, has decided to ban all outward signs of religious convictions, including the headscarf.
The pupils were protesting because they regard the ban as a violation of free expression and freedom of religion. A number of protestors carried banners that stated that they would leave the school if not allowed to wear a headscarf.
The school administration defends its decision claiming it will contribute to social integration and encourage respect for different ways of life.
[Copyright Expatica News 2007]
Subject: Belgian news