Muslim Beard Row Boys Now Banned from School

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Two Muslim schoolboys barred from classes because they would not shave off their beards have now been sent home from their school

Both 14-year-olds had been placed in "isolation" from the start of the new term at Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School in Accrington, Lancashire.

Talks were held with the families of the two boys to resolve the problem but neither side backed down and the school has now decided the pupils can only return to school when they are clean-shaven.

Headteacher Xavier Bowers has stressed that the matter is not one of religion but about dress code.

In a statement issued today, he said: "At Mount Carmel RC High School, we believe that it's important to be clear about what we expect from students in all aspects of school life, including appearance and uniform. » | News agencies | Wednesday, October 09, 2013