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'Bangle' pupil is excluded again 'Bangle' pupil is excluded again
(10 minutes later)
A Sikh pupil who has refused to stop wearing a religious bangle or Kara to her south Wales school has been excluded for a third time.A Sikh pupil who has refused to stop wearing a religious bangle or Kara to her south Wales school has been excluded for a third time.
Sarika Singh, 14, had returned to Aberdare Girls' School in the Cynon Valley after a temporary exclusion for a meeting to discuss the issue.Sarika Singh, 14, had returned to Aberdare Girls' School in the Cynon Valley after a temporary exclusion for a meeting to discuss the issue.
The school has said that wearing the Kara Sarika was breaking its code of conduct.The school has said that wearing the Kara Sarika was breaking its code of conduct.
Her family has said they will now seek a judicial review.Her family has said they will now seek a judicial review.
On Tuesday morning, Sarika and her mother Sinita Singh and two officials from the Valleys Race Equality Council (VREC) held a 20-minute meeting about the school's refusal to allow the pupil to wear the Kara.On Tuesday morning, Sarika and her mother Sinita Singh and two officials from the Valleys Race Equality Council (VREC) held a 20-minute meeting about the school's refusal to allow the pupil to wear the Kara.
After the meeting, Wayne Lee, of the VREC said: "Sarika is very upset and wants to go back into school. She's a good student and she wants to see her friends, like any other 14-year-old.After the meeting, Wayne Lee, of the VREC said: "Sarika is very upset and wants to go back into school. She's a good student and she wants to see her friends, like any other 14-year-old.
"I can't discuss what was said in too much detail, but Sarika has been excluded from school again. I don't know yet for how long, we will find out in due course.""I can't discuss what was said in too much detail, but Sarika has been excluded from school again. I don't know yet for how long, we will find out in due course."
Aberdare Girls' School only allows ear studs and a wrist-watch
Mrs Singh added: "We are very, very disappointed, but the school has made their decision. That's all I can say at the moment."Mrs Singh added: "We are very, very disappointed, but the school has made their decision. That's all I can say at the moment."
The school's head teacher Jane Rosser said she did not want to comment until she had informed Mrs Singh of her decision in writing.The school's head teacher Jane Rosser said she did not want to comment until she had informed Mrs Singh of her decision in writing.
Aberdare Girls' School only allows ear studs and a wrist-watch The school prohibits all jewellery, except for plain metal ear studs and wrist-watches, and said the policy ensures equality.
The family argue the Kara is an important reminder to devout Sikhs to do good and not bad with the hands and should not be treated as jewellery. But the family argue the Kara is an important reminder to devout Sikhs to do good and not bad with the hands and should not be treated as jewellery.
The Kara is worn by Sikhs at all times and is one of five articles of faith - the 5 Ks - that form external visible symbols as a clear and outward display of commitment and dedication. It is worn by Sikhs at all times and is one of five articles of faith - the 5 Ks.
The school prohibits all jewellery, except for plain metal ear studs and wrist-watches.
The 5 Ks of Sikhism Kesh (uncut hair)Kara (a steel bracelet)Kanga (a wooden comb)Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear)Kirpan (steel sword)The 5 Ks of Sikhism Kesh (uncut hair)Kara (a steel bracelet)Kanga (a wooden comb)Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear)Kirpan (steel sword)
The exclusion was taken after the half-term holidays on 5 November when Sarika continued to ignore the ban following a failed appeal.The exclusion was taken after the half-term holidays on 5 November when Sarika continued to ignore the ban following a failed appeal.
The teenager came into conflict with the code of conduct at the school six months ago after governors ruled she should not wear the bangle.
Sarika was taken out of her classes and taught separately for nine weeks from May, pending the outcome of an unsuccessful appeal.
Governors rejected Sarika's request to wear the bangle after a "significant period of research", examining the uniform policy and human rights legislation in detail.Governors rejected Sarika's request to wear the bangle after a "significant period of research", examining the uniform policy and human rights legislation in detail.
"Best practice""Best practice"
Head teacher Ms Rosser said the school's strict code of conduct had been in place for many years and had been established to ensure equality.
South Wales Central AM Leanne Wood wants clear school uniform guidance from the assembly government regarding religious symbols and jewellery.South Wales Central AM Leanne Wood wants clear school uniform guidance from the assembly government regarding religious symbols and jewellery.
"I think everyone will recognise that schools sometimes face difficult decisions when balancing the need for a consistent uniform policy with religious beliefs, " Ms Woods said."I think everyone will recognise that schools sometimes face difficult decisions when balancing the need for a consistent uniform policy with religious beliefs, " Ms Woods said.
Cynon Valley AM Christine Chapman said she had asked for the Children's Commissioner for Wales to get involved because she was concerned for Sarika's welfare.Cynon Valley AM Christine Chapman said she had asked for the Children's Commissioner for Wales to get involved because she was concerned for Sarika's welfare.
"From speaking to experts in this field, this is akin to asking a Sikh boy to remove his turban, which most people would find unacceptable," she said."From speaking to experts in this field, this is akin to asking a Sikh boy to remove his turban, which most people would find unacceptable," she said.
"From taking soundings from schools in Birmingham and Cardiff, the wearing of the Kara in schools is allowed as best practice.""From taking soundings from schools in Birmingham and Cardiff, the wearing of the Kara in schools is allowed as best practice."
A spokeswoman for the Welsh Assembly Government said that school uniform policy was a matter for the governing body.A spokeswoman for the Welsh Assembly Government said that school uniform policy was a matter for the governing body.
However, she said the government would shortly be issuing guidance on school uniform policy considering issues including health and safety as well as equality and discrimination.However, she said the government would shortly be issuing guidance on school uniform policy considering issues including health and safety as well as equality and discrimination.