Teacher's Headscarf Case Considered by Constitutional Court

June 29, 2003

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/30/international/europe/30BERL.htm?ex=1068094800&en=d89414d09ed8c361&ei=5070

On June 29, 2003 The New York Times reported that "education officials prohibited [Fereshta Ludin, an Afghan-born Muslim] from taking a public job because she wears a head scarf. The officials, from the southern German state of Baden-W�rttemberg where Ms. Ludin received her qualifications, contended that the head scarf could have a negative religious influence on schoolchildren.

Ms. Ludin sued. Now, after being rejected by three lower courts, her case is before the Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe, Germany's highest court. The dispute has divided public opinion and become a touchstone for anxieties about the country's growing Islamic minority. Experts say that the court's decision, which is expected as early as July, could affect German integration policy for years to come."