An eight-year-old Hindu Indian student was forced to move schools in London, UK, after being discriminated against for applying a tilak chandlo on his forehead.
The staff at the Vicar’s Green Primary school had reportedly asked the child to explain and justify his religious practice.
According to Insight UK, a social movement and advocacy body which represents the British Hindu and Indian community, the staff’s approach to the organisation is described as entirely inappropriate for a minor.
IT is also alleged that the headteacher at the school monitored the child during break times in a manner the child found intimidating, which led to him withdrawing from playing and isolating himself from peers.
The child was also reportedly removed from positions of responsibility within the school due to this religious practice. If proven, the action would constitute direct religious discrimination under the Equality Act 2010
“No child should feel watched, singled out, or isolated because of their faith, especially not from a person of authority,” an insight UK spokesperson told NDTV.
They also added that such experiences can have long-term emotional consequences and raise serious safeguarding concerns.
The children, along with other Hindu parents at the school, reportedly made repeated efforts to speak with the headteacher and school governors to explain the religious significance of the practice.
However, attempts to engage wee said to have been met with dismissive responses rather than meaningful dialogue.
“This was not a good-faith dialogue. It reflected an imbalance of power, where Hindu religious practices were scrutinised, minimised, and ultimately rejected,” The spokesperson said.
Insight UK also found that the school had previously forced at least four Hindu Children to leave, citing concerns of inclusivity and religious freedom.
