We're not the only ones here at Pink Triangle to pose the question about what will happen to schools' dress codes after the case of the 14-year-old Sikh pupil in South Wales who won her case after a dispute over her bangle.
The kara is a thin, unobtrusive bangle that is considered essential (see our previous posts, "So it's any bling goes at school today" and "Bangle wrangle") within the Sikh religion. Why should there be a fuss over something so inoffensive? you may ask.
But the school, at Aberdare, said no jewellery except ear studs and watches. That sounds to me like a rule that says, "No exceptions!" But an exception has been made, and that exception has been made in the name of religion.
And that is favouring the religious above others, who might wish to wear, say, a nose stud or a special kind of necklace – equally unobtrusive, you could argue – for good reasons of their own.
But they wouldn't be allowed to. Yet the Sikh girl is allowed her bangle.
The Times Educational Supplement has a report today, and teachers' unions, it seems, aren't happy. They need guidance.
The only guidance that can come out of this is that pupils be allowed to wear only what the school stipulates is allowable, except in the case of religious requirements. Or perceived religious requirements.
And that would be grossly unfair and morally indefensible.
