Saron Tewodrose with mum Hana

THE Department for Education has launched an investigation into a secondary school after a parent complained that it had forced her daughter to take off her cross – citing their school uniform policy.

The DfE wrote to Saron Tewodrose’s parents last week after the 11-year-old pupil left Highbury Fields School last month – just weeks after she joined the secondary as a new Year 7 student – over allegations she was humiliated by staff who threatened her with detention if she did not remove the cross.

Last month the Tribune described how the cross, worn by all members of Saron’s family, is a symbol of their devotion to their Orthodox Christian religion. According to their beliefs, even when the string that holds the cross has worn out and needs replacing, followers would hold the cross to their body while the string is changed.

In a letter dated October 26, from the Ministerial and Public Communications Division of the DfE, it states: “I was sorry to read about the situation you have described in your email.

“It may be helpful if I first explain that schools should be sensitive to the needs of different cultures, races and religions and act reasonably in accommodating these needs, without compromising important school policies, such as school safety or discipline.

“It should be possible for most religious requirements to be met within a school uniform policy and a governing body should act reasonably through consultation and dialogue in accommodating these.”

The school argued that under their uniform policy, only stud earrings were allowed and no other jewellery should be worn. Saron said her cross was never on show – instead tucked into her shirt – and warned the issue could resurface as other pupils at the school share her religion and are hiding their crosses.

She added: “I believe that people should be treated equally. I don’t want anybody to be singled out because of their religion. I am really disappointed. It’s also a bit embarrassing as well – for me and for them. Because, you know, I’ve been humiliated in front of hundreds of people.

“And for them, why would they do this? What was the problem?”

Under Article 9 of the Human Rights Act, everyone has the right to “freedom of thought, conscience and religion” as well as the right to “manifest your beliefs” which can include clothing and a cross, provided it does not impact on another’s rights.

The letter goes on to ask Saron’s mother, Hana Yimer, to provide evidence of how the school has handled the complaint up until now. Once the department has received Ms Yimer’s evidence, it would then “consider the handling of your complaint and whether the school has followed relevant education legislation”.

Mrs Yimer said since the complaint had been received by the DfE the school appeared to be backtracking on its initial decision after they offered her a meeting.

“I think they offered me a face-to-face meeting because they are under pressure now. The governor told me her final decision on the 18th of October, saying Saron won’t be allowed to wear the cross. But now she has emailed me saying ‘let’s find something that works for us as well as the school’.”

Saron has now taken up a place at another school.

Should the department uphold Ms Yimer’s complaint against the school, it could recommend im­provements to statutory school policies, or in some cases the secretary of state could intervene, although it is not practice to punish a school.

If there were serious concerns the DfE could ask the local authority or Ofsted to give the school further guidance.

A spokesperson for Highbury Fields School said: “Highbury Fields School is an outstanding all girls community secondary school. In the most recent Ofsted inspection the school was once again judged to be ‘outstanding’ and the inspection team noted that ‘pupils learn about and celebrate their own and others’ cultures and faiths’.

“For health and safety reasons, Highbury Fields School, as with most other schools, does not allow jewellery, other than a small pair of ear studs. All parents and carers are informed of this prior to their child starting at the school.

“Whilst the school is not able to comment on any individual cases, any complaints from parents or guardians are taken very seriously and dealt with appropriately.”