Outcry in Sweden as Muslim school segregates boys and girls

[santos11]

A Muslim elementary school in Sweden, which separated boys and girls on a bus and during sports lessons, sparked controversy today with the prime minister condemning it as “despicable”. As part of a documentary, Swedish broadcaster TV4 filmed secret footage of the privately-run Al-Azhar Primary School in a Stockholm suburb where boys are seen entering a bus from the front and girls from the back.

Aged between six and 10, the students take the school bus in the mornings and evenings to go to and from school in the working-class neighbourhood of Vallingby, northwest of Stockholm. “I think this is despicable. This doesn’t belong in Sweden,” Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told reporters in Stockholm.

“We take the bus together here, regardless if you’re a girl or a boy, woman or a man.” This isn’t the first controversy surrounding the school. In August last year, Swedish media revealed that teachers had agreed to gender-segregated sport lessons.

The school argued that gender-mixed sports courses would cause some parents to stop their children from attending. The school’s vice principal said it had no intention of carrying out gender-segregated activities.
“I don’t know why it still turned out that way,” Roger Lindquist told TT news agency.

“It was a mistake.”

But the school says on its website that “boys and girls have separate courses in swimming and sports”. Lofven has asked Education Minister Gustav Fridolin to contact the school and propose measures on what can be done to prevent segregation. “The school has a duty to end outdated segregation norms,” Fridolin told public broadcaster SVT. “This must concern all schools.”

http://indianexpress.com/article/wo...lim-school-segregates-boys-and-girls-4599582/

 

[czar]

Sure Swedes won't like it, they probably don't seggregte even in swimming pools leave alone a School Bus.

 

[s28]

There are very successful schools which practice segregation.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Sure Swedes won't like it, they probably don't seggregte even in swimming pools leave alone a School Bus.

Sweden has one of the highest rates of sexual assault rates in Europe but there is little outcry.

If the parents of the children are o.k with this segregation , the state being a so called democracy should have no issues either.

 

[Specialisttailender]

Sweden has one of the highest rates of sexual assault rates in Europe but there is little outcry.

If the parents of the children are o.k with this segregation , the state being a so called democracy should have no issues either.

Parents of the children don't know what their children needs in their new world. In most developed countries children of different genders sit together and developed countries have the lowest sexual assault rates.

 

[Specialisttailender]

Sure Swedes won't like it, they probably don't seggregte even in swimming pools leave alone a School Bus.

Even in India swimming pools are not segregated. Only swimming lessons are segregated.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Parents of the children don't know what their children needs in their new world. In most developed countries children of different genders sit together and developed countries have the lowest sexual assault rates.

How did you reach this conclusion? Personal experience?

 

[JaDed]

Creates issues later on in socializing,googled for "only girls" schools in Sweden apparently none since 1970's, In that case it will create issues with locals.

 

[rahulrulezz]

I don't know why they move to countries like Sweden at first place if want to continue these practices

 

[troodon]

I don't know why they move to countries like Sweden at first place if want to continue these practices

Reminds me of the Quotes I often read on Yahoo news Comments Section.

Escape the home country and its culture and practice the exact same culture in their adopted country.

 

[bleaf27]

Reminds me of the Quotes I often read on Yahoo news Comments Section.

Escape the home country and its culture and practice the exact same culture in their adopted country.

Haha exactly ! why move to sweden if you love your culture and practices ?
When you move somehwere , either adapt to their practices or don't move there

 

[KingKhanWC]

Haha exactly ! why move to sweden if you love your culture and practices ?
When you move somehwere , either adapt to their practices or don't move there

Is this some kind of universal law only you are aware of? Firstly how do you know all those parents or those who run the schools weren't born in Sweden? Secondly does it state in Swedish law everyone living in Sweden must adopt to their practices? What are their practices, do you have a full list?

 

[srh]

Haha exactly ! why move to sweden if you love your culture and practices ?
When you move somehwere , either adapt to their practices or don't move there

you think separate schools for boys and girls are only created by people who moved from another country? you venue is saying Canada; I hope its not true; cannot believe Canada is letting people in with your kind of wisdom

 

[Rayyman]

Haha exactly ! why move to sweden if you love your culture and practices ?
When you move somehwere , either adapt to their practices or don't move there

Yup. Not sure why Muslims are moving to Sweden anyway. The only exceptions are Syrian immigrants or people like that.

 

[bleaf27]

Yup. Not sure why Muslims are moving to Sweden anyway. The only exceptions are Syrian immigrants or people like that.

Lots of African's too , I got some family in stockholm , the scenery there is quite changed from what I hear

 

[bleaf27]

you think separate schools for boys and girls are only created by people who moved from another country? you venue is saying Canada; I hope its not true; cannot believe Canada is letting people in with your kind of wisdom

Considering the fact that you are implying that I was let into "Canada" shows your limited respect for an immigrant let alone what you consider yourself to be and knowing whether I am a 1st generation or a 2nd.
Secondly, if you have learned some Canadian History in primary school - I am asuming did you go to school here - our residential school and metis schools were highly flawed and were established in 1600's and once the Indian affairs were given to province of Canada, system was started to disintegrate.
Our public school systems are not meant to be this way and in 2017, you are trying to create that based on religious practices ( not historical or nationalistic) then yes it is a cultural practice being preached in today's day which is foreign to Canada

 

[Specialisttailender]

How did you reach this conclusion? Personal experience?

There is a big difference in the two generation in sub continent alone. How do you expect parents from sub continent to connect with current generation of developed countries ? Desi mothers still don't like their son or daughter having a normal conversation with an opposite gender. What kind of parents promote gender segregation between children in a school bus ?

 

[Specialisttailender]

Is this some kind of universal law only you are aware of? Firstly how do you know all those parents or those who run the schools weren't born in Sweden? Secondly does it state in Swedish law everyone living in Sweden must adopt to their practices? What are their practices, do you have a full list?

If those parents were born in Sweden they would have known not send their kids to religious schools that will virtually make their children outcast from rest of their society.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

If you want to segregate do it in your own country.

If it is your own country, then make sure you don't segregate on basis of religion.

If you do, you are trying to make religion in the state.

You should be kicked out.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Haha exactly ! why move to sweden if you love your culture and practices ?
When you move somehwere , either adapt to their practices or don't move there

I say exactly the same thing to Indians who have turned Southall and Wembley into mini-Indias with their temples and sari shops catering to people who still think they are living in Calcutta. I did a thread on this a while back, not sure if you were a member back then.

 

[the Great Khan]

im confused. Is it against the law in sweden to segregate boys and girls in swimming lessons if the parents wish it to be so? the school is a privatley run school and the swedish state has no business interfering in it. But alas we hear platitudes from these people while they then talk about how girls do better in segregated education environments. I'll be sending my daughter to a segregated state non denomination state school here in the uk. Sweden needs to understand what civilisation is all about. And we hardly need to be lectured by Hindu/Indian members of this forum on the treatment of women and segregation.

 

[bleaf27]

I say exactly the same thing to Indians who have turned Southall and Wembley into mini-Indias with their temples and sari shops catering to people who still think they are living in Calcutta. I did a thread on this a while back, not sure if you were a member back then.

No I wasn't but I do have a point which may agree/disagree with some of your views. I'v been to Southhall and yes it is appalling on some fronts. We do have quite a bit of Indian /Pakistani stores / restaurants / temples in Canada / US all over the world. There is no problem with that. If one is to open a temple / mosque / restaurant - it isn't offsetting or impinging upon the cultures of others per say. However segregation isn't something which is prevalent much or is readily acceptable in this part of the world and should not be preached or practiced , that's where you cross the line . When your cultural practices are in stark contrast of the culture you have moved to, that's when it needs to stop. Child marriages / Practice of Sati was practiced in old age Indian subcontinet - If it was to be done in the West - you think it would be acceptable ?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

No I wasn't but I do have a point which may agree/disagree with some of your views. I'v been to Southhall and yes it is appalling on some fronts. We do have quite a bit of Indian /Pakistani stores / restaurants / temples in Canada / US all over the world. There is no problem with that. If one is to open a temple / mosque / restaurant - it isn't offsetting or impinging upon the cultures of others per say. However segregation isn't something which is prevalent much or is readily acceptable in this part of the world and should not be preached or practiced , that's where you cross the line . When your cultural practices are in stark contrast of the culture you have moved to, that's when it needs to stop. Child marriages / Practice of Sati was practiced in old age Indian subcontinet - If it was to be done in the West - you think it would be acceptable ?

I'm not a fan of segregation, but to say that turning London into mini Calcuttas or Delhis isn't impinging on the city and it's culture is clearly against the point to which I replied to. Your exact quote was:

"Haha exactly ! why move to sweden if you love your culture and practices ?
When you move somehwere , either adapt to their practices or don't move there"

I hope you can see the blatant hypocrisy in your stance.

 

[ExpressPacer]

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. - Why do these Muslims move to such countries in the first place if they cannot leave their traditions and culture behind?! You are not being forced to move there (unless these are Syrian refugees - which they are not).

Either you respect the opinion of the majority or you move back to your country of origin. I hate it when these immigrants create a fuss. Whenever you see Westerners travelling, you see them respect the culture, traditions and norms of the country. I have plenty, and trust me plenty of friends who come to Pakistan to travel up North and they cover more than my Desi friends. Why? Because they respect our beliefs and culture. Similarly, these people need to respect the culture of the Swedes.

Also, jokes apart, I don't get this. I remember being in the same school bus as girls in Pakistan all my life. Why do these guys want to go back to medieval ages? Its not like the school is asking you to make your kids bathe together or anything like that. God. Muslims would obviously sound like weird people to non Muslims when we have problems with little boys and girls being in the same SCHOOL BUS.

No wonder why most of the desi youth are so frustrated.

 

[shaykh]

A bigger question I guess is whether a secular society should allow faith schools in general?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

A bigger question I guess is whether a secular society should allow faith schools in general?

Faith schools used to be among the most popular and hardest to get into, especially the Catholic ones when I was a kid. Obviously the perception of them has changed since the advent of Jewish and Muslim schools. Then you would need to ask more in depth questions regarding dress codes for secular schools. Should hijabs be allowed or mini skirts? Blazers or turbans?

An inch of cloth here or there can create such a rucus these days, but these are the everyday problems school boards have to deal with.

 

[Specialisttailender]

I say exactly the same thing to Indians who have turned Southall and Wembley into mini-Indias with their temples and sari shops catering to people who still think they are living in Calcutta. I did a thread on this a while back, not sure if you were a member back then.

There are also mosques in London no ? What do you think about that ? Especially the East London Mosque ? Temples and Sari shops aren't going to change the life style of an Indian in Europe. But sending kids to religious schools, especially when the religious schools imposes a different life style taht is vastly different from the host country will.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

There are also mosques in London no ? What do you think about that ? Especially the East London Mosque ? Temples and Sari shops aren't going to change the life style of an Indian in Europe. But sending kids to religious schools, especially when the religious schools imposes a different life style taht is vastly different from the host country will.

There are, and I am happy to discuss them, but it wasn't me who said:

"Haha exactly ! why move to sweden if you love your culture and practices ?
When you move somehwere , either adapt to their practices or don't move there"


When the author of said comment apologises or withdraws his comment, then I can comment further on segregation or London mosques.

 

[Yossarian]

Why is the Indian newspaper using a photo (in the OP) of a U.S. school bus somewhere in the USA (notice the Walmart sign, and the rows of MPV's in the parking lot) when the topic is supposed to be about Sweden?

 

[PakLFC]

They have to respect the law of the country. If segregation is not allowed ten these Muslim's need to be corrected. Either live in a country as a law abiding citizen or leave for a Muslim heaven on earth that only exists in their mind.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

They have to respect the law of the country. If segregation is not allowed ten these Muslim's need to be corrected. Either live in a country as a law abiding citizen or leave for a Muslim heaven on earth that only exists in their mind.

I don't think they have broken the laws of the country otherwise there would have been arrests made I am sure. If you mean they should abide and follow the customs and culture of the country, then I agree, but of course that's a discussion that needs to be had as to who and why is exempt. Or Sweden could just change the laws if they feel it necessary to maintain their own customs and enforce them on everyone.

 

[shaykh]

Out of interest do Muslim countries segregate 6-10 year olds?...

 

[Specialisttailender]

Why is the Indian newspaper using a photo (in the OP) of a U.S. school bus somewhere in the USA (notice the Walmart sign, and the rows of MPV's in the parking lot) when the topic is supposed to be about Sweden?

In many Indian movies often White "American" actors are not from US at all and often speak with thick European accent. Some times they might let an Indian dub his voice over and people will not notice at all. This is just a picture of a school bus parked in a foreign land, do you think people care ?

 

[KingKhanWC]

There is a big difference in the two generation in sub continent alone. How do you expect parents from sub continent to connect with current generation of developed countries ? Desi mothers still don't like their son or daughter having a normal conversation with an opposite gender. What kind of parents promote gender segregation between children in a school bus ?

You clearly haven't travelled much. In Europe most desis are now 2nd/3rd generation, most live their lives not much different to the native population. Others have different beliefs and choose another lifestyle.

If those parents were born in Sweden they would have known not send their kids to religious schools that will virtually make their children outcast from rest of their society. -

Sweden claims to allow freedom of worship and freedom to live how one chooses. There are still many schools in Europe which cater for girls or boys only. Boarding schools for different sexes has been very normal in the UK, this hasn't made those children who attended outcasts.

 

[Specialisttailender]

You clearly haven't travelled much. In Europe most desis are now 2nd/3rd generation, most live their lives not much different to the native population. Others have different beliefs and choose another lifestyle.



Sweden claims to allow freedom of worship and freedom to live how one chooses. There are still many schools in Europe which cater for girls or boys only. Boarding schools for different sexes has been very normal in the UK, this hasn't made those children who attended outcasts.

Never been to Europe and if the desis are second and 3rd generation then they know enough to socially not separate their kids with the population of the natives. The Swedish government has the right to make sure there is unity and coexistence among its population in the future. If Islamic schools are unintentionally creating discordance between its population by promoting a different way of life then the Swedish government has the right to make sure it is not promoted. Does Islam say a boy and a girl shouldn't sit beside each other ? Probably not. It is clear that Sweden doesn't want another Birmingham like situation where the descendants of immigrants can't connect with the native population.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Never been to Europe and if the desis are second and 3rd generation then they know enough to socially not separate their kids with the population of the natives. The Swedish government has the right to make sure there is unity and coexistence among its population in the future. If Islamic schools are unintentionally creating discordance between its population by promoting a different way of life then the Swedish government has the right to make sure it is not promoted. Does Islam say a boy and a girl shouldn't sit beside each other ? Probably not. It is clear that Sweden doesn't want another Birmingham like situation where the descendants of immigrants can't connect with the native population.

If you've never been to Europe, you should at least do some research. Sweden has no issues with segregation, this is not against their culture, in fact they are trying to move in this direction.

Pupils at a Swedish school returned from their Christmas break to find their classes had been segregated so that boys and girls studied separately.

Head teacher Anneli Widestrand said: “I think it's a good way to break the pattern, to reach students.”

The temporary move was designed “to test new ways to meet students on an individual basis”, she said. She believes some girls do not speak up in class when surrounded by boys.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...ly-classes-confidence-education-a7528236.html

The outcry is as usual Islamaphobic lead but I doubt most Swedes are bothered by such news.

As for Birmingham, it's my city and im not sure what you are referring to. Birmingham is probably one of the most multi cultural cities in the world, with little issues.

 

[bleaf27]

I'm not a fan of segregation, but to say that turning London into mini Calcuttas or Delhis isn't impinging on the city and it's culture is clearly against the point to which I replied to. Your exact quote was:

"Haha exactly ! why move to sweden if you love your culture and practices ?
When you move somehwere , either adapt to their practices or don't move there"

I hope you can see the blatant hypocrisy in your stance.

Eating your food / buying your groceries / watching your movies isn't in stark contrast to a culture you are moving . Starting to segregate people on the basis of gender is.
You can't possibly equate eating your cultural food and watching your language movies as compared to segregation of children

 

[bleaf27]

If you've never been to Europe, you should at least do some research. Sweden has no issues with segregation, this is not against their culture, in fact they are trying to move in this direction.



http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...ly-classes-confidence-education-a7528236.html

The outcry is as usual Islamaphobic lead but I doubt most Swedes are bothered by such news.

As for Birmingham, it's my city and im not sure what you are referring to. Birmingham is probably one of the most multi cultural cities in the world, with little issues.

you alright mate ?
I'v been to sweden many times and I have family in stockholm and what are you talking about ?!

 

[Specialisttailender]

If you've never been to Europe, you should at least do some research. Sweden has no issues with segregation, this is not against their culture, in fact they are trying to move in this direction.



http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...ly-classes-confidence-education-a7528236.html

The outcry is as usual Islamaphobic lead but I doubt most Swedes are bothered by such news.

As for Birmingham, it's my city and im not sure what you are referring to. Birmingham is probably one of the most multi cultural cities in the world, with little issues.

People don't have problem with gender segregation but they should. You don't want kids of different backgrounds growing up with different way of life. Lot of British Pakistanis have problem connecting with the English culture. Many of them live in Birmingham and I used it as an example. For example, when we were young and going on school trips in India, they put everyone together because we were kids. As we grew up, they split us because the guys were being way to creepy with girls.

 

[PakLFC]

I don't think they have broken the laws of the country otherwise there would have been arrests made I am sure. If you mean they should abide and follow the customs and culture of the country, then I agree, but of course that's a discussion that needs to be had as to who and why is exempt. Or Sweden could just change the laws if they feel it necessary to maintain their own customs and enforce them on everyone.

They should be allowed segregation if the law has not been broken or compromised. Customs are not the law, if people are offended by it due to them supposedly going against the norm then so be it. In the UK plenty of Pakistanis dress in salwar kamiz as well as do westerners in their own attire when living abroad.