London Tilak Row: Vicar’s Green Primary School in London has been accused of Hinduphobia by Insight UK, a UK-based social movement and advocacy organization representing the British Indian and Hindu community. The organization claimed that an 8-year-old child was asked by the school staff repeatedly to explain and justify his religious practices, which are highly inappropriate for minors.
It was reported that the child started experiencing mental stress because of the constant scrutiny. On top of this, the school’s head teacher went on to monitor the child closely during break times. This intimidating behaviour of the head teacher further added to the young child’s mental stress levels. Moreover, the child was denied all responsibility positions at the school due to his Hindu identity.
It was argued by the school that wearing a tilak is not a mandatory practice in the Hindu culture. Therefore, it could not be permitted. However, Muslim students were allowed to wear their not mandatory hijabs. This discriminatory stance of the school fuelled allegations of unequal treatment of religious symbols and selective targeting and application of rules.
The child was subjected to harassment repeatedly over wearing a Hindu religious mark (Tilak) on his forehead, which eventually made him leave the school.
London Tilak Row-Backlash
British Hindu and Indian communities blasted the Vickers Green Primary School. It was remarked that the school had completely different policies for Muslim students who can be seen wearing hijabs.
Insight UK remarked the incident violates the UK Equality Act 2010 that prohibits any form of discrimination of the grounds of belief or religion.
The organization went on to add that at least four Hindu students have withdrawn from the school in question after the alleged discriminatory behaviour. Insight UK has now taken the matter to the local education authority.