A school head teacher has apologised to two Sikh girls after they were asked to remove their turbans on the first day of school. The incident infuriated the community, which demanded 'cultural awareness' among broader British society about Sikhism.
13 year old Simranjot Kaur and 11 year old Prasimran Kaur, returned to St Anne's Catholic in Southampton, in Hampshire wearing turbas, traditional religious headwears.
Newly enrolled student Prasimran, from year seven was told to take her turban off shortly after walking into school, while Simranjot, from year nine was spotted by a school teacher. The non-related girls who are baptised as Khalsa Sikhs, use mandatory female surname Kaur, refused to remove the turban, which can be worn by both sexes in Sikhism.
The Daily Mail reported that the school allegedly suggested they were wearing them for 'fashion' and that they should be replaced by headscarves usually worn by Muslim women.
Their furious families attacked the school for what they say are 'discriminatory' rules.
Simranjot's mother Sukhwinder Kaur, 38, reportedly said: 'They are in the correct uniform the only thing different is the turban. If Muslims can wear hijabs then why can't Sikhs wear turbans?'
However, the school has said it was a 'misunderstanding' and apologised to both the families.
In a statement, head teacher Lyn Bourne said: 'I would like to apologise to students and parents for any offence caused by our enforcement of our uniform policy this morning.
'The situation that occurred was a misunderstanding and I can confirm that both girls involved now have permission to wear a turban to school.
'These should be plain navy blue or black until we are able to identify an appropriate supplier.
'St Anne's is an inclusive school community that respects all faiths. We are united by our shared values and do not allow ourselves to be divided by our differences.'
Southampton City Council cabinet member for communities Satvir Kaur, a former headgirl there and a practicing Sikh reportedly said: 'It hasn't been a great first day back but I'm pleased the situation has been resolved.
'Southampton has a variety of diverse communities all of which recognise the need to be valued and respected.'
