GOVERNMENT IS WRONG IN ITS APPROACH TO MUSLIM SCHOOLS

Published 30/08/2006 19.30

The Ramadhan Foundation is seriously concerned at the comments by the Communities Secretary about Muslim faith schools.  She is wrong to suggest that there is an endemic crisis in the curriculum and values taught in these schools.  On the contrary they teach tolerance, peace and above all better the children as they face the challenges of childhood.

The Foundation accepts that there are schools that are not up to the standards demanded by society and Government, but responsibility for this should rest with Government who has failed to bring these private Muslim schools in to the state funding umbrella thus enabling stricter monitoring of all aspects.  For too long these schools have been left without any support from Government, local education authorities and OFSTED but now is the time for us to rectify the mistakes of the past.

We wish to see schools that promote equality, diversity and tolerance where pupils are given the best possible opportunities to improve themselves in an environment that encompasses Islam and our cultural needs.  The Foundation supports all faith schools that meet the needs of children and their parents, what we are asking is for some equality when it comes to funding and also a realisation that Muslims should be able to send their children to Islamic schools if parents wish.  This Government has failed to live up to its promise made in 1997 that more Muslim schools will be given financial and educational support.  Is it not ironic that commentators say they support Catholic and Anglican schools but draw the line at Muslim schools – is this not the sort of oppression the Government should be countering.

Mr. Muhammad Umar, Chairman of the Foundation comments:

“Ruth Kelly along with her New Labour colleagues are fuelling this debate on the basis of them and us.  She is talking as if the majority of Muslim schools are backward, creating division and also promoting extremism.  I am 100% certain no Muslim school in the UK is doing this – I challenge her to show the evidence.

The Government has to stop these obsessions with spin and headline grabbing announcement without evidence and substance.  We are ready to work with the Government but this has to be a two way street, they need to put their prejudices and anti Islamic feeling away when engaging with our communities.  Then and only then will we be able to see real confidence in the political system and this Government.

Diversity with choice is essential in a free country; do not curtail this basic freedom”.