London: An eight-year-old Hindus student in London was forced to change schools after he faced discrimination for applying Tilak Chadlo in forehead. The incident took place at Vicar’s Green Primary School after the school staff asked him to explain the religious practices.
Head teacher of the school monitored him during breaks
According to a report published in Insight UK, a body which represents the Hindu community and Indians, the head teacher of the school also monitored him during break times, which the child found uncomfortable to and intimidating. This resulted in the child avoiding playtime activities and started avoiding mixing up with other students.
The boy was also removed from his responsibilities due to his religious practices. As per Insight UK, if allegations are established, then the same would be tantamount to religious discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. The parents of the child found a change in his behaviour and observed that he was not eager to go to school. He had the fear of being chastened for his religion-related practices.
‘Such practices may have lasting experiences on young minds’
The group further noted that no child should face discrimination based on religious practices. It added that such practices may have lasting effects on young minds and may raise serious concerns.
The parents of the child and other Hindu parents tried to approach the head teacher and other senior officials of the school to explain to them about the Hindu practices, including Tilka Chandlo, but the school officials seemed to be unwilling to hear them.
The group observed that the situation did not suggest a good-faith dialogue but rather an imbalance of power in which the school scrutinized the Hindu religious practices and then rejected them. It added that the religious practices forced at least four students to leave the school earlier.