Religious identity - right or threat?

A 14-year-old girl has been excluded from Aberdare Girls Grammar School for wearing a Sikh bangle, or Kara. Sarika Singh refuses to remove her Kara, as it is a religious symbol, one of the five 'K's which identify devout Sikhs.

Sarika said of wearing the bangle : " It's very important to me. It constantly reminds me to do good and not to do bad, especially with my hands."

In the light of the governors' decision to exclude her, it is interesting to consider the school's prospectus statement of ethos and values.

Three select items from that statement ....

• The basis of all our dealings with each pupil is that the pupil will receive care and respect.

• The education our pupils receive will encourage the tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life.

The school rightly demands much of its students

• We, as a school, are committed to setting and expecting the highest standards in all aspects of school life.

What place apart from 'tolerance' is accorded by the secular education system to standards and values upheld by those for whom a religious identity is the key priority in life?

How has exemplary 'tolerance' here lead to a pupil being excluded?

Shades of battles elsewhere over the hijab, and a chastity ring.

Read the full report here