ANN Clwyd MP has called on the governors of Aberdare Girls School to back down in a row about a Sikh girl wearing a bangle.

Sarika Singh, 14, has been excluded for wearing a kara, a silver bracelet, in line with her faith. The schools say it contravenes their strict no jewellery policy. She is due to challenge the decision in the High Court.

Mrs Clwyd, MP for the Cynon Valley, is urging governors to pull out of potentially expensive legal action, claiming they are unlikely to win.

She said: “There are legal precedents establishing a Sikh pupil’s right to wear those items that are essential to their religion. Boys, for example, have been allowed to continue to wear turbans.” [Link]