Girls at Islamic school in Australia banned from running over virginity fears

The principal of an Islamic school in Melbourne’s west has allegedly banned girls from running in sporting events out of concerns it may cause them to lose their virginity. Female students at Al-Taqwa College were also barred from playing soccer as a sports injury could make them infertile, Fairfax media reported. The school’s regulator, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, is reportedly investigating the claims levelled at principal Omar Hallak, who earlier this year courted controversy when he suggested Islamic State was supported by western countries.

The principal believes that there is scientific evidence to indicate that if girls injure themselves, such as break their leg while playing soccer, it could render them infertile.

Letter to The Age from former teacher

A former teacher claimed Mr Hallak stopped the female cross country running team from participating in a 2013 and 2014 district event. Education minister James Merlino said the reports are concerning and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority is investigating.

I look back on my time at Al-Taqwa with frustration and anger, which is how I felt most of the time while I was working there.

Former teacher