Freedom to wear your hood in college

On Monday 16th December 2013 as I walked into
the college building, with my hood on because it was raining – I was told to
take off my hood.  This truly offended me
and made me angry.  I am now and have
always been an upstanding member of society, so the fact that I was told to
take off my hood made me feel pre-judged like I was about to go and commit
a  criminal act.  I asked the security guard if I had a scarf
on my head for religious beliefs would I be asked to take off my scarf, and he
said no (a hood, a scarf, not that different, both pieces of material that
cover the head – one not more than the other, so the reason the hood is being
worn for is irrelevant).  I then asked
why, and I was told it’s just the rule, but was offered no explanation as to
why.  I understand that this is part of
the rules, but I really do feel that it requires an explanation.

From the student charter:

3. I will dress in a way that is appropriate to the needs of the course, taking into
account Health & Safety considerations. I will not wear a hood, or any item
which covers my face, e.g. the niqab (face veil). I will refrain from wearing
any article of clothing which displays any motif or slogan that may offend or
be considered incitement

This rule is discriminatory and prejudice.  As far as I can tell from this rule, the
college is assuming that everyone that wears a hood is a thug and a trouble
maker, which is a disgusting stereotype. 
This is like assuming that all Muslim people are terrorist (another
disgusting stereotype); but this generalisation has not been made about Muslims,
so why should it be made about anyone that is wearing a hood?  People that wear hoods are being penalised,
why?  A hood does not cover any more of
the head or face than a scarf does, so why should people not be allowed to wear
it?  This is truly an injustice that goes
against the human rights act!!

The West London College Parent/Guardian Handbook states:

“We have a responsibility to all our learners whether they are studying on campus
or in workplaces that they are entitled to learn in a safe environment that is
free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Our aim is
to ensure that equality and diversity is embedded in everything we do… Our
equality policies and schemes set out our commitments, our values and how we
aim to uphold and advance equality of opportunity for all, not only meeting our
duties under the Equality Act 2010 but continually striving to advance
equality.”

Free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment and
victimisation…this is a beautiful line were it true!!  Until people are afforded the right to wear
their hoods then this is an untruth. 
This needs to be rectified to ensure that there is true equality across
the board and that the equality act is truly met!!

 

Sonia Frederick (912981)

 

Please sign this petition so we can try and change this unfair rule for future students.

 

Thank you