- A German school sparked controversy by forbidding students from drinking water in classrooms during Ramadan, reportedly to accommodate fasting
- The ban, enforced by two teachers, puzzled parents, as fasting typically starts at age 14, affecting 24 children for three fasting students
A comprehensive school in Germany has sparked controversy by prohibiting children from drinking water in their classrooms during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, reportedly out of consideration for Muslim students fasting.
According to reports from NIUS, fifth-grade students at the unnamed school in the greater Frankfurt area were informed by their parents that they were not allowed to drink water in class because some students were observing fasting.
A concerned father of one of the pupils revealed, “My daughter told us that two teachers had forbidden the students from drinking in class because three of the 27 children were fasting.”
While the water ban is not an official school policy, two teachers have implemented it, preventing students from accessing the water dispenser in the hallway or having water bottles on their desks.
The father expressed bewilderment at the decision, stating, “Even for religious Muslims, the fasting requirement only applies from the age of 14. The fact that 24 children have to accommodate three children regarding basic physical needs is a strange intervention.”
Despite inquiries, the school declined to comment on the matter.
This incident comes amid controversy surrounding Frankfurt, which recently made headlines for being the first German city to adorn festive lights in its city center in celebration of Ramadan.