A Victorian primary school has been slammed for allowing Muslim children to walk out of assembly as the Australian National Anthem played, reports Daily Mail.
Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School gave its students the option to leave the assembly whilst the music played out of respect for their month of mourning.
The school and parents were welcomed into the hall, and as the anthem began 30-40 students got up and walked out prompting outrage even though the kids came back when the music ended.
Some parents and grandparents who observed this claimed it was “disgusting” and that everyone should be “proud to sing the anthem”.
School principal, Cheryl Irving, explained her decision to be respectful of the religious custom saying the Shi’a Muslims do not participate in joyous events, such as music or singing during Muharram.
Muharram is a specific religious event that lasts for one month which marks the mourning period for the death of Imam Hussein, the son of Mohammed. Similar to Ramadan it is of great cultural significance and is only periodic.
School assembly will go back to normal with everybody enjoying and participating in music and singing on November 12th.
Sadly, some locals do not see this as an inclusive move from the school, but one that promotes separatism. Jacqui Lambie, the independent senator for Tasmania 500kms away from the school commented: “I find these schools that are allowing this to happen disgusting.”
In a formal statement Ms Irving said: “Our school is an inclusive and supportive environment for all of our students. Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School supports all its staff and students in their religious and cultural observances.
“Muharram is a Shi’a cultural observation marking the death of Imam Hussein. This year it falls between Tuesday 13 October and Thursday 12 November.
“During this time Shi’a do not participate in joyful events, including listening to music or singing, as it is a period of mourning.
“Prior to last week’s Years 2-6 assembly, in respect of this religious observance, students were given the opportunity to leave the hall before music was played.
“The students then re-joined the assembly at the conclusion of the music.”
The school, which has the slogan ‘Many cultures, one community’, caters to students from 37 different cultural backgrounds including Shi’a and Sunni Muslims.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
