Melbourne public school allows Muslim students to be absent from assembly during national anthem

A Melbourne public school is under fire for allowing Muslim students to be absent while the Australian national anthem is sung, during the traditional Islamic month of mourning.

Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School Principal Cheryl Irving told the Herald Sun during the month of Muharram, Shi’a Muslims do not take part in joyous events such as singing or listening to music.

“Prior to last week’s Years 2-6 assembly, in respect of this religious observance, students were given the opportunity to leave the hall before music was played,” Ms Irving said.

“The students then rejoined the assembly at the conclusion of the music.”

In a statement to the Herald Sun, the Department of Education supported the school.

“The Department supports our schools to be inclusive for all students, this includes understanding or respecting religious cultural observances,” the statement read.

Islamic Council of Victoria secretary Kuranda Seyit told the newspaper said it was a “holy time” for Shi’a Muslims.

“People need to remember that these Muslim children are not against the Australian national anthem but are not allowed to be deemed to be celebrating,” he said.
He said for young children, these observances should be flexible and assessed on their merits in order to find an appropriate balance.

One caller to 3AW, grandmother Lorraine McCurdy, said she “saw red” that the children were not showing respect to the country.

Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie also hit out at the school, telling the newspaper “we should all be proud to be Australians and proud to sing the national anthem”.