Oz school apologises to 12-year-old Sikh boy and family on uniform issue

Melbourne, Sept.2 : A Sikh student has received an apology from an exclusive private school after he was denied admission for violating strict uniform rules.

Scott McDougall, the lawyer representing the Sikh boy's family in court, was quoted by news.com.au, as saying that Brisbane's Ormiston College had told 12-year-old that he could only attend school if he cut his hair and did not wear his turban.

Uncut hair and turbans are both strict requirements of the Sikh religion.

The boy's family, which cannot be named for legal reasons, thereafter lodged a claim with the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland against the college and its headmaster Brett Webster.

The family is now reportedly happy with the confidential settlement, which included a public apology.

"The main thing they wanted was broader understanding within the community to the importance of being able to choose an education whilst maintaining your religious beliefs and identity," McDougall said.

He said the boy was attending another private school where he was allowed to wear his turban and was doing well.

ANI