A Palestinian careers adviser claims he was instructed by a New South Wales government school to stop wearing a keffiyeh after officials stated it could provoke discord, alleging the directive breached anti-discrimination laws. The man, formerly employed at an inner-city selective school, says he was told the traditional garment was viewed as a symbol of conflict. His legal action accuses the state of unlawful conduct under racial discrimination protections. The case highlights ongoing debates over cultural expression and workplace policies in public institutions.
Wasim El-Haj alleges NSW government school ordered him to stop wearing symbolic garment as it ‘may cause discord’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA Palestinian careers adviser who was allegedly directed to stop wearing a keffiyeh at a Sydney government school because it was a symbol that “may cause discord” has lodged a racial discrimination case in the federal court against the state of New South Wales.Wasim El-Haj, a former careers adviser at Sydney Girls High School – an inner-city selective government school – alleges the then acting principal told him in 2024 that the keffiyeh was seen as a symbol of conflict. He alleges the state’s conduct is unlawful for breaching the Racial Discrimination Act. Continue reading...
