Muslim students in Netherlands report restrictions on prayer in schools

Dutch Human Rights Council clarifies public schools cannot legally prohibit prayer during free time

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (MNTV) – Muslim students across the Netherlands are facing increasing obstacles as over 180 schools have reportedly banned prayer during school hours. 

The restriction has forced many students to pray in secret or leave school grounds to fulfill their religious obligations.

According to a report from NL Times, Muslim students, whose faith mandates five daily prayers at specific times, have reported being penalized for attempting to pray on school grounds. 

The restrictions have impacted students of all faiths, but the structure of Islamic prayers, which require specific times and physical movements, presents unique challenges for Muslim students.

One student explained, “They stop us when we pray,” while another shared, “I pray in secret, but if you get caught, you get punished.”

The Dutch Human Rights Council has clarified that public schools cannot legally ban prayer during students’ free time. 

However, some schools have formalized these restrictions through written policies, while others enforce them informally.

The National Student Committee has condemned the bans, with president Puk Donken calling them discriminatory, as reported by Dutch news organization NOS.

“Not allowing students to pray is absolute discrimination,” Donken said, emphasizing that such restrictions have no place in a diverse society.

In response to these challenges, the LAKS has encouraged students to engage in dialogue with school administrators and assert their rights. 

“Make your voice heard,” Donken urged, advising students to contact the LAKS complaints hotline if they face discrimination over their religious practices.

The ongoing restrictions on prayer in schools have sparked widespread concern, with Muslim students facing challenges in practicing their faith.