A Muslim student’s legal challenge against a prayer ban at a north London school has been dismissed by the High Court.
The student, whose identity remains undisclosed, filed a lawsuit against Michaela Community School in Brent, alleging that the school’s policy unfairly targeted her faith due to its structured nature.
She contended that the school’s prohibition on prayer violated her right to religious freedom and perpetuated discrimination against religious minorities, fostering a sense of alienation in society.
Founded and led by headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh, the school defended its prayer policy, citing past threats of violence linked to religious observance on its premises. In a written ruling on Tuesday, April 16, Mr. Justice Linden rejected the student’s arguments challenging the prayer ban but upheld her challenge against a temporary school exclusion.
During a hearing in January, the student’s legal representatives asserted her modest request to observe prayer for approximately five minutes during lunchtime, adhering to religious obligations without disrupting lessons. The school’s legal team countered, citing social media campaigns and an online petition opposing the school’s religious practices.
Emphasizing the school’s discretion over its policies, Justice Linden highlighted the policy’s alignment with fostering inclusivity and social cohesion. He reasoned that any disadvantage experienced by Muslim pupils due to the prayer ban was outweighed by the policy’s broader objectives.
In response to the ruling, Katharine Birbalsingh asserted the school’s autonomy in serving its students’ best interests, celebrating the judgment as a victory for all schools.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan echoed support for headteachers’ decision-making authority, applauding Michaela Community School’s excellence.
Expressing disappointment with the ruling, the student and her mother, represented by law firm Simpson Millar, underscored the significance of prayer in their lives as Muslims. Despite the outcome, they affirmed their commitment to advocating for religious freedom and expressed pride in the student’s courage throughout the legal process.
