Humanism Now | Secular Ethics, Curiosity and Compassionate Change 33. Audrey Simmons & Lola Tinubu on Keeping the Faith Out of the Classroom: Smart Move or Overreach?
This episode was originally recorded in May 2024.
"What we have in common is what is taking us forward." — Lola Tinubu
In May 2024, the High Court ruled that Michaela Community School’s “prayer ban” did not unlawfully interfere with students’ rights to religious freedom. This landmark decision reaffirmed the importance of secular education in promoting social cohesion — and raised questions about how schools should handle religion in increasingly diverse societies.
In this episode, Audrey Simmons and Lola Tinubu — co-leaders of the Association of Black Humanists and long-time Central London Humanists members — apply their legal and education expertise to unpack the implications of the case for humanists, educators, and advocates of a secular society.
Key Topics Covered
- The background of Michaela Community School and its secular ethos
- Why the court upheld the school’s ban under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights
- The tension between parental influence, religious identity, and student rights
- Why secular school environments can better accommodate diversity within religions
- How education must focus on shared humanity to address collective global challenges
- Why this ruling gives schools confidence to protect inclusive and evidence-based education
Episode resources:
BBC News: Michaela School: Muslim student loses prayer ban challenge
Humanists UK: Humanists UK respond to Michaela School ‘prayer ban’ ruling
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Music: Blossom by Light Prism