SCHAERBEEK – The municipality of Schaerbeek in Brussels has reacted with outrage after two Muslim students were prohibited from receiving their diplomas on stage during a high school graduation ceremony because they wore headscarves.
The incident took place last Thursday at Emile Max High School and has since triggered a wave of public and political backlash.
According to the school’s internal regulations, the wearing of religious symbols is prohibited during school hours. The administration extended this rule to include the graduation ceremony, preventing the two girls, Hamile and her fellow student, from participating fully in the event.
Footage from the ceremony shows the two girls standing at the back of the hall, visibly separated from their peers, as many in the audience applauded in solidarity.
“For the first time in my life, I felt the humiliation of ‘I’m not like you’,” Hamile told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. “I have to stand at the back of the room on the day of my graduation.”
Local politicians and community members have condemned the school’s decision. Schaerbeek’s education councillor, Thomas Eraly (Ecolo-Groen), acknowledged that internal rules exist but criticised the lack of compassion shown during a moment that should have celebrated the students’ achievements.
“The rules must be followed, but it is unacceptable for students to feel excluded from such a symbolic moment,” Eraly said.
The local branch of the Socialist Party also expressed strong disapproval in a statement. “Hiding behind internal rules to justify such treatment amounts to validating a zealous and stigmatising interpretation of the rules. What happened was wrong,” it said, calling for both the school and the municipality to issue formal apologies.
The incident has reignited a broader debate in Belgium over secularism, religious expression in public institutions, and the inclusivity of education policy.
While some argue that neutrality must be upheld in public education, critics say such interpretations disproportionately target Muslim students and can foster exclusion rather than unity.
As the controversy continues, Schaerbeek’s administration is expected to hold further discussions with school officials and community leaders to address the fallout and ensure that future graduation ceremonies are inclusive and respectful of all students’ rights.
