Controversy arises as a Hanover Park learner is suspended for wearing a fez during Ramadan, sparking a debate on religious expression in schools.
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A Hanover Park teen has been suspended for a day after he refused to remove his fez inside a classroom for religious reasons.
The 14-year-old boy, who attends Windsor High School in Lansdowne claimed he was left disappointed after he was forced to choose between his faith and his education this week.
The Grade 9 learner was sent home this week after he refused to remove his black fez and he was charged with violating the code of conduct and disrespecting a teacher.
Speaking to the Cape Argus sister publication, the Daily Voice, the teen who asked not to be named, said Muslim boys are being treated unfairly as their choice to wear a fez daily came under scrutiny.
He said: "Last year the matric boys fought to be able to wear a white fez during Ramadaan.
"On Monday myself and other boys all wore fez’s and we were instructed to remove it. I refused on principle because it is my decision to wear one in line with my faith.
"The teacher called me to the front and said that if I didn’t remove it I would have to leave the classroom."
He explained that he then asked the teacher, who wears a scarf daily, how she would feel if she were told to remove her hijab and that is when she removed him from the classroom.
The learner claimed he was taken to another classroom as he was mocked for his knowledge on Islam.
He said: "They told me the fez is a sunnah and not compulsory for Muslim boys and I must remove it. They even told me that the Prophet did not stand in front of the Kaaba with a fez on so there is no need for me to wear one at school. They said I must go to a Muslim school where I can wear the fez or go sit at the Masjied (mosque) and wear it everyday."
The teen was sent home with a note and his parents were summoned to a meeting on Wednesday.
After another meeting yesterday, his 34-year-old mom said she was told that the School Governing Board had decided that boys may not wear a fez and the decision was final.
She adds: "He was very sad because this is a ridiculous thing and for Muslim people they should know better. It is not as if my son was fighting or bringing drugs on the school, he was wearing a fez. It's Ramadaan and for him it is a way to express his dedication to his faith.’
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, confirmed the teen was suspended over the fez.
Hammond says: "I can confirm that the learner was suspended for one day for his behaviour. He allegedly showed disrespect towards school management, after a request was made for him to remove his Fez."
She said the teacher did not say that boys must go to a Muslim school but instead explained the difference between the Government school code of conduct and that of an independent Muslim School.
Cape Argus