On Friday, August 2, three Muslim students at Springwell School in Hounslow, West London, were suspended for attempting to forcefully convert a Hindu classmate to Islam. The incident highlights growing concerns over religious intolerance and coercion among schoolchildren.
The Muslim students reportedly manipulated the Hindu boy, convincing him to change his name to Mohammed and forcibly cutting off his sacred thread, the kalava, with scissors. They further persuaded him to eat meat, claiming halal meat would make him stronger, despite knowing he was a vegetarian.
The issue came to light when the Hindu child’s parents noticed behavioral changes in their son after school. They discovered that his Muslim classmates had pressured him to convert to Islam and threatened to ostracize him if he refused. Disturbed by the coercion, the parents approached the class teacher, who initially downplayed the matter as part of the children’s exploration.
Unsatisfied with the teacher’s response, the parents continued to investigate. They expressed their concern, stating, “I love any religion. It’s not the problem. But what I am worried about is those kids who have been taught like this by their parents or someone.” The situation escalated when the boy told his mother he wanted to change his name to Muhammad, a shocking revelation for the family, who rarely discussed religion at home.
The parents immediately informed the school administration, leading to an investigation. The school found that the Muslim students had threatened to end their friendship with the Hindu boy if he did not convert. Consequently, the school suspended the Muslim students involved in the incident.
In response, Springwell School’s Headteacher, Mrs. Kamaljeet Grewal, acknowledged the problem in an email to the parents. She assured them that the school is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment, with measures in place to prevent grooming, indoctrination, and coercion based on religious or ideological beliefs.
The Hindu family also alerted other families and neighbors, fearing similar incidents might be occurring with other students or in other schools. The incident has raised significant concerns about religious intolerance and the need for schools to actively monitor and address such behaviors to protect all students’ rights and well-being.
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