Why I banned prayer in my school | Katharine Birbalsingh

Katharine Birbalsingh, otherwise known as Britain's strictest headteacher, explains why she banned prayer at her school in her first broadcast interview since the controversial move.

[shootthelobster]

I live in France and I recall that about 10 years ago a school in Juan La Pin came under fire because the Muslims complained that a student had bought ham sandwiches for lunch. This was huge in the media . The mayor of Juan La Pin told the Muslims concerned that there is over 45 countries that would uphold the rules of the Muslim religion and offered to pay for their flights to those countries. If you come to Western Europe for a better life then you must be prepared to accept the culture, if not then don`t come here.

[edsheringham]

Why no attempts to find those who were threatening violence or death? In all these cases the Police have never made any arrests, why? This is the reason why these people are getting more and more troublesome.

[mlo]

Is not Muslim prayer ban, it is any prayer ban. If they were to get a prayer room for muslims they would have to do it for all other religions. This teacher is so right!

[lanhua]

Katharine you are so right! I wish you courage, strength and open public support!

[kimholland]

Respect to you Kathleen you are an amazing woman and you're only concern is for our children. If some people don't like what you are doing thay can send there children to a school that they do like what they are doing

[cuteanimalseverywhere]

Anyone making death threats against teachers for doing their best needs a good hard look at themselves!

[TimmsMJ]

This lady is doing her job, and doing it well. She is ensuring the children at her school are receiving a good education, in a safe environment. If you don't like how she runs her school, send your children elsewhere.

[formicapple]

Complete and utter respect for Miss/Mrs Birbalsignh. She understands that children need discipline to thrive. No wonder that school is outstanding for many years.

[Femmeaesthetic]

I'm someone who use to be a muslim, she has every right to say prayers aren't allowed in school and it doesn't involve only one particular religion but any. I've seen these chanting of "shariah for UK", we need more people like her

[billytollerton]

Very well done Catherine for standing up to do the right thing rather than bowing down to the narrow minded few.❤🎉🎉

[andrewhotston]

Ten minutes of pure wisdom. Well done to Callum for letting Katharine speak.

[zzsksqi]

She actually sounds like a really good headteacher…

[galbax]

If you are in a secular European country, no religious symbols nor acts are necessary. If you are in private (christian or whatever) school, however, deal with it or send your kids elsewhere.

[robertbate]

Well spoken madam. If only the rest of society could be so open. 🙏🙏🙏

[johnreed]

how on earth are other headteachers against this

[barriewilliams]

We never had this problem when I was a boy (70 years ago) I wonder why🙃

[fionaowen]

Those who use racist abuse of any kind should be told to leave the school unacceptable same woth religious bullying

[christinetennick]

Well done Katherine, I applaud you, You are a saint, someone with common sense,

[tomfc]

Incredible woman! We need more people like her

[westminsterwatcher]

She's one remarkable lady! God bless you, Katharine!