Over several years now the general guidance to schools with regard to emotional literacy has not had the kind of impact we would have hoped for. Whilst students can present challenging behaviour, there is little in the training of teachers - particularly post graduate teacher training - to educate these adults on understanding the range or limitations of their own emotional intelligence. Hence the above dispiriting post highlighting the emotional illiteracy of an educator. We are supposed to know better. But without it being recognised as a professional development pre-requisite, students will remain vulnerable to the baggage both conscious and unconscious of those they are supposed to look to for guidance. Quite a sad state of affairs really, when it goes wrong.

In recent years I have noticed a gamut of emotions from Muslim students I have worked with in reaction to Islamophobia. Often the experience is reinforced with a dollop of racism, the combination of which means they can have the most adorable but inappropriate reactions to being victims. Both genders denote an intense unease but it is perhaps only a small minority of boys who fall into misplaced bravado as a defence mechanism. Yet, the students do respond well to reprimand that challenges their seige mentality posturing - if it comes from a trusted adult who really cares about them.

It is critical to ask young Muslims to look at the world with detachment and balance rather than disempowering themselves through victimology. To encourage them to feel empathy in order that the ugly experiences they are on the receiving end of do not leave them feeling powerless. No one could fail to empathise with the sheerness of emotions at that age anyway. Bless them!

The revised Ofsted framework puts a higher onus on schools to have a strategic vision with regard to Equal Opportunities. It’s good news and will engender more thinking particularly with regard to inclusion.

My honest view, as an educator, is that the system is overloaded and whilst objecting to unacceptable practice is vital - ultimately, there is only so much these institutions can do to counter societal ills.

Whilst Muslim communites are making efforts towards a form of self responsibility we would be more enriched by further prioritising looking at ways to support Muslim youth in our own localities. Ofcourse we shouldn’t expect less of schools but it would do us no harm to expect more of ourselves, collectively.

Lastly, I have found the biggest recurring theme from young Muslims which doesn’t cost much, is the desire just to be heard. For someone to take the time to listen.

Jzk

Ps Apologies for the rather lengthy ‘comment’…

Here’s another good link about the racial aspect of this story:

http://www.racialicious.com/2010/06/09/white-teacher-kicks-out-black-student-over-hair-care-product/ .-= Safiya Outlines´s last blog ..Girl you know it’s true – Updated =-.

assalamu alaikum, that’s interesting. completely agree with yusuf on overpowering scents. i can’t stand the comercial scents myself they’re terribly clone like.i think the perfume tells alot about a person and might be part of the reason for women being forbidden from wearing them in public.

Wasn’t she using a product called “Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion” which, as its name suggests, is a moisturiser made from Olive Oil? I guess it’s an alternative to coconut oil, shea butter and sweet almond oil that are more commonly used. Hardly a heavy-weight cosmetic.

What next? That Muslim girl can’t come to class because she’s wearing a hijab and I have a nylon allergy? Or teacher can’t come to class between April and May because he has hay fever? Or dad won’t change his baby daughter’s nappy because it makes him puke?

The point for me here is that the girl is eight years old. It really is up to the adult to take responsible steps towards dealing with her allergies. If opening a window doesn’t help, then yes, a trip to the pharmacist may well be in order. But you don’t send the child out of class.

But Allah knows best.

Back to the issue the problem is that from the article it’s not clear what the teacher sickness is caused by. Yes it should have been handled more sensitively particularly as regardless of how the girl wears her hair she could still use products that cause an allergic reaction in the teacher.

Also you have to remember that most people have very little understanding of basic science and statistical methods hence the MMR scandal.