The regulatory body in charge of education standards in schools across Victoria has been investigating Al Taqwa Islamic College in Melbourne, after learning that the institution’s principal banned girls from participating in cross-country running because he believes it may cause them to lose their virginity. James Merlino, Deputy Premier and Education Minister, confirmed on April 23 that the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority has been looking into the allegations, though the college’s spokesperson was not available for comment.

According to local media, a former teacher at the college said the ban was put in place after Principal Omar Hallak claimed excessive running for girls could potentially cost them their virginity. The unidentified teacher decided to write to the state and federal education ministers thereafter.

“The principal believes that there is scientific evidence to indicate that if girls injure themselves, such as break their leg while playing soccer, it could render them infertile,” the teacher wrote.

After the ban was implemented, female students at the college, too, wrote a letter to Hallak.

“This letter is about the cross country that has been cancelled. Aparantly [sic] it is because girls can’t run and that is really offensive to all the girls that were going to participate in the event. As long as girls are wearing appropriate clothes, we can run. As a principal you should treat all subjects equally,” the students’ letter read.

Last month, Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne demanded an explanation from Hallak after he told his college students that Israel does not exist and the terrorist group Islamic State is a western conspiracy that is being led by the United States.

Al Taqwa is the largest Muslim college in Victoria. The website My School estimates that Al Taqwa received over $11 million in commonwealth funding and an additional $4.7 million from the state government in 2013.

Photo Credits: Jewish News