Principal at Islamic school denies ex-teacher's claim girls are banned from running because it could 'cause them to lose their virginity' - Education - News - The Independent
A principal at an Islamic school in Australia has denied banning female students from running at sporting events because he believed it could cause them to lose their virginity.
A former teacher at the Al-Taqwa College in Victoria sent a letter to education ministers this week claiming girls were prevented from taking part in a running competition and had not been allowed to participate in a 2013 and 2014 cross-country district event, according to reports by
Fairfax Media.
They claimed Mr Hallak was unaware the girls were training for the event and prevented them from entering when he realised they were hoping to compete.
The teacher said Principal Omar Hallak believed girls could lose their virginity if they run excessively. In the letter, the teacher added that he principal had wider concerns about girls participating in sport, writing: "The principal believes that there is scientific evidence to indicate that if girls injure themselves, such as break their leg while playing soccer, it could render them infertile.”
The schools regulator, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, is now investigating the claims, which have been strongly denied by the school.
James Merlino, the deputy premier and education minister, confirmed on Thursday that a written complaint about Mr Hallak had been received and an investigation is underway.
The schools regulator, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, is now investigating the claims, which have been strongly denied by the school.