A Muslim student teacher has labelled a Christian school in Wyndham discriminatory for refusing her a position based on her religion.
But Heathdale Christian College is standing by its decision, saying that as a faith-based school it expects its teachers, including student ones, to support its Christian perspective.
Mother-of-two Rachida Dahlal, 35, has complained to the Equal Opportunity Commission on the grounds of discrimination, prejudice and unequal employment opportunities.
The Hoppers Crossing college where she wanted to do placement said it would not have been in its, or Mrs Dahlal’s, best interests.
Mrs Dahlal said on-the-job training was a requirement of her one-year diploma course in secondary education at Victoria University, and that the college was on a list of schools provided by the university offering trainee positions.
She said she chose Heathdale because it was the closest to her home and her sons’ childcare centre and also one of few schools in Wyndham offering both her specialty subjects of mathematics and French.
“I am Muslim, wear a head scarf, and respect all fellow humans regardless of their beliefs, race, or cultural background,” she said.
