23 April 2015

Al-Taqwa College principal says he does not believe excessive running causes girls to lose their virginity

Authorities will investigate a principal's denial that he banned girls from running at sporting events because he believed it could cause them to lose their virginity.

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority is investigating a former teacher's claims that girls at Al-Taqwa College were discriminated against and prevented from participating at cross country events.

On Thursday Mr Hallak denied the allegations, saying girls at the Islamic school participated in a range of sports including running over a range of distances, basketball, cricket and hockey.

But he would not say why primary school girls were withdrawn from a district cross country event.

"Girls are encouraged to participate in all activities, with participation subject to parental consent. We do not believe that running excessively may cause female students to lose their virginity or that sporting injuries could render them infertile." [The Age] Read more