Hoofddorp school discriminated against Muslim student over prayer, rights body says

The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has found that a secondary school in Hoofddorp discriminated against a Muslim student. The public Haarlemmermeer Lyceum denied her the right to pray on school grounds and refused to set up a dedicated quiet space for worship.

Without access to a dedicated quiet room, the student sought out peaceful areas within the school to pray. The deputy principal intervened at one point, claiming she was obstructing other students. The student maintains that she always tried to pray in a way that would not inconvenience anyone.

The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights concluded that the school failed to provide adequate evidence that her presence actually blocked others or that intervention was warranted. “Consequently, the Institute finds that the school engaged in direct religious discrimination.”

One student launched a petition calling for a quiet space accessible to all students, regardless of religion, which received 235 signatures. Meetings were held with the principal, who ultimately chose not to establish the room, arguing that it would likely be used primarily by Muslim students, thereby giving them a special advantage.

The human rights body concluded that the school’s decision constitutes direct religious discrimination. “The Institute stresses that even if a quiet room were used solely by Muslim students for prayer, these students are exercising their right to express their religious beliefs.” This right is a core human right.

Through principal Brenda Stam, the Haarlemmermeer Lyceum said it does not agree with the ruling. “We are a secular school that aims to serve all students. In keeping with this neutrality, we deliberately choose not to offer religious facilities for particular groups.” The school maintains that it does not prohibit students from praying, provided it does not interfere with classes or impede other students.