Muslims ‘could be banned’ from becoming UK school governors

 

A set of rules aimed at promoting “British values” in schools could ban conservative Muslims from becoming governors, a religious rights group says. The new regulations follow allegations of a “Trojan Horse” plot to Islamisize schools in the UK.


The Department of Education has introduced a new set of rules governing free schools and academies in Britain. The regulations dictate that school governors and trustees should demonstrate “fundamental British values” and give the state powers to close the schools if they do not toe the line.

The new measures come as part of a Department of Education response to the Trojan Horse scandal where an anonymous plot was allegedly discovered to Islamisize UK schools. Following an investigation into schools in Birmingham – where the plot was initially reported – Britain’s chief inspector of schools said “a culture of fear and intimidation has taken grip.”

As a result of the investigation, the Office of Standards in Education placed five schools on a warning list. In addition, a number of governors were banned from holding office.

In connection with the plot, a number of allegations have emerged claiming that non-Muslim teachers were being forced out of schools in Birmingham. In addition, the Telegraph reported practices such as religious fasting and segregation of the sexes being enforced in some schools.

In response to the scandal, Education Minister Michael Gove said that in future UK schools will be required to promote “British values.” Prime Minister David Cameron also condemned the reports and said he wanted to start snap inspections in British schools