A Palestinian careers adviser has filed a racial discrimination case against the New South Wales government after he was allegedly instructed to stop wearing a keffiyeh at a Sydney school, which was deemed a symbol that "may cause discord."
Background
Wasim El-Haj, a former careers adviser at Sydney Girls High School, claims that the then acting principal, Geoffrey Denyer, told him in 2024 that the keffiyeh was perceived as a symbol of conflict. El-Haj argues that this directive violates the Racial Discrimination Act.
He began wearing the keffiyeh, a traditional scarf associated with the Palestinian struggle, in January 2024, shortly after the Hamas attacks on October 7 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.
Allegations
According to El-Haj's statement of claim, during a meeting on May 15, 2024, Denyer allegedly stated:
“"I have been directed to direct you to remove this item of clothing."
Denyer indicated that the directive had come from higher authorities, possibly from the minister, and warned that action would be taken if El-Haj did not comply. Following this meeting, Denyer sent an email outlining the directive, stating:
“"Consistent with the Department’s Controversial Issues and Code of Conduct policies, the staff member in question should be given clear advice... that this item of clothing should not be worn at school."
