The National Peace Council says mission-based senior high schools can offer worship spaces for students of different religious backgrounds, but students are still expected to follow the approved school dress codes.
Frank Wilson Bodza, Deputy Director for Conflict Management at the Council, made this known after the Supreme Court directed Wesley Girls’ Senior High School to respond to a suit filed by private legal practitioner Shafic Osman. The suit alleges that the school restricts Muslim students from observing aspects of their faith.
Mr. Bodza explained that the Council had previously engaged the leadership of mission schools across various denominations, leading to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on how to manage religious diversity on campus.
He said the agreement makes it clear that no student group is allowed to put up its own worship structure within a school.
“Mission schools may set aside a space for worship to promote religious tolerance. But that doesn’t mean students can build a chapel or a mosque when they choose,” he said. “And where there is a common dress code, it must be respected by all students.”
The MoU also includes guidelines for students who fast for religious purposes. Those students must inform school authorities and undergo counselling to ensure their safety.
Mr. Bodza said the Peace Council’s aim is to help schools maintain their long-standing values while making sure students can freely practice their faith without affecting academic activities or the existing rules of the institution.