Britain targets school veils, gang tags

LONDON, March 20 (UPI) -- British school principals are being given the option to ban Muslim students from wearing full-face veils as well as any student wearing gang insignia.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson made the announcement, saying principals, or head teachers also have the right to disallow Muslim girls from wearing the veil called a niqab, The Times of London reported.

Monday night before the announcement was made, a spokesman for Department for Education and Skills urged head teachers to consult with parents, and teachers before making any decision, particularly with regard to veils and robes, the report said.

Two schools in England have been challenged on clothing bans. In both cases, judges ruled the schools had the right to enforce dress codes.

The Muslim Council of Britain also has issued a statement saying the policy of allowing a simpler headscarf is "quite sufficient to meet Islamic requirements," The Times said.