Key facts
- A Palestinian careers adviser, Wasim El-Haj, is suing the state of New South Wales for racial discrimination.
- El-Haj alleges he was directed to stop wearing a keffiyeh at Sydney Girls High School because it was seen as a symbol of conflict.
- The lawsuit claims the school's actions breached the Racial Discrimination Act.
- The NSW Department of Education stated it is committed to maintaining neutral and apolitical school environments.
- The case is scheduled for a management hearing on November 3.
A Palestinian careers adviser has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the state of New South Wales, alleging he was unlawfully directed to stop wearing a keffiyeh at Sydney Girls High School. Wasim El-Haj claims the traditional scarf was deemed a symbol of conflict by school officials and the Department of Education.
El-Haj began wearing the keffiyeh in January 2024. In May 2024, the then acting principal, Geoffrey Denyer, allegedly told El-Haj he was directed to remove the item of clothing, indicating it was seen as a symbol of conflict and that action would be taken if he did not comply. An email from Denyer stated that schools need to remain free of symbols that stir emotions and may cause discord.
Later, in August 2024, El-Haj met with NSW Department of Education official Maria Serafim, who detailed anonymous concerns, including that the keffiyeh was a symbol of "partisan conflict." El-Haj's internal complaint about the direction was upheld by Murat Dizdar, secretary of the NSW Department of Education, in February 2025. Dizdar acknowledged the keffiyeh's cultural significance but stated the department prioritizes "safety, wellbeing and security in all our school communities" and aims to remain politically neutral.
El-Haj alleges the state of NSW engaged in unlawful conduct under section 9(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act. He took leave from May 2024 until the end of the year and resigned from the school in March 2025. The state of NSW has yet to file its defense, and the matter is scheduled for a case management hearing on November 3.