NSW Schools Allow Keffiyeh After Student Formal Ban Settlement

NSW public schools will now allow students to wear cultural garments like the keffiyeh after a student was banned from his formal. This is a change from previous rules.
By Newsroom | Education, New South Wales |

NEW SOUTH WALES - A confidential settlement has been reached between a former Year 12 student and the New South Wales education department, following the student's exclusion from his school formal for wearing a scarf bearing a Palestinian flag and a keffiyeh. The department, in a statement acknowledging the resolution, has broadened its stance on acceptable attire, specifically including the keffiyeh among a list of recognized 'cultural garments' permitted in schools.

Public schools signal ‘cultural’ Palestinian scarf can be worn following accusations of racism - 1

This explicit inclusion of the keffiyeh, alongside other traditional items like the Hanbok, Idio, Kaftan, Kilt, Tallit, and Yukata, signals a shift in policy, aiming to prevent future incidents where cultural expression is perceived as a political act warranting disciplinary action. The department emphasized its commitment to embracing cultural diversity, citing Harmony Day as a key initiative in this regard.

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Public schools signal ‘cultural’ Palestinian scarf can be worn following accusations of racism - 2

The ban, which occurred at Condell Park High School, saw the student, identified as Mr Salamah, denied entry to his graduation ceremony. He maintained that the keffiyeh was worn as a customary cultural item for special occasions, not as a political statement. This incident ignited debate surrounding racial discrimination and the regulation of student expression within educational institutions.

Public schools signal ‘cultural’ Palestinian scarf can be worn following accusations of racism - 3

The department said after mediation, the two parties had reached a confidential settlement and the matter was resolved. This includes the wearing of cultural garments, including, but not limited to, the Hanbok, Idio, Kaftan, Keffiyeh, Kilt, Tallit, Yukata, cultural headdress, feather cloaks and garlands.

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (Apan) has characterized the situation as a “clear case of anti-Palestinian racism,” reporting a rise in such incidents within Australian schools since late 2023. Nour Salman, Apan's anti-Palestinian racism project lead, stated that excluding a student for expressing their identity is discriminatory. Giridharan Sivaraman, the race discrimination commissioner, welcomed the department's acknowledgment of cultural respect but stressed the need for proactive 'anti-racism action'.

Public schools signal ‘cultural’ Palestinian scarf can be worn following accusations of racism - 4

Background Context

The keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern headdress, is described as a potent symbol of Palestinian identity and solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The legal proceedings initiated by Mr Salamah with the Australian Human Rights Commission underscored concerns about the potential for policies to be misapplied, leading to perceived discrimination.

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Reports from sources like the Jewish Telegraphic Agency suggest that the keffiyeh can evoke complex reactions in some Jewish communities, with individuals expressing discomfort or feeling 'triggered' by its presence in daily life, sometimes associating it with protests or broader political movements. These varied interpretations highlight the sensitive and contested nature of symbols in public spaces, particularly within educational settings where diverse student populations interact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did a student get banned from his school formal in NSW?
A Year 12 student was banned from his school formal at Condell Park High School for wearing a scarf with a Palestinian flag and a keffiyeh. He said it was a cultural item, not political.
Q: What is the result of the student's ban from the formal?
The NSW education department and the student reached a confidential settlement after mediation. The department will now allow the keffiyeh and other cultural garments in schools.
Q: Which cultural garments are now allowed in NSW schools?
NSW schools will now permit garments like the Hanbok, Idio, Kaftan, Keffiyeh, Kilt, Tallit, and Yukata, as well as cultural headdresses, feather cloaks, and garlands.
Q: Why is the keffiyeh important in this situation?
The keffiyeh is a traditional Middle Eastern headdress seen as a symbol of Palestinian identity. The ban and subsequent settlement highlight issues of cultural expression and potential discrimination in schools.
Q: What does the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network say about this?
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network called the ban 'anti-Palestinian racism' and reported more incidents in Australian schools since late 2023. They believe excluding students for expressing identity is discriminatory.