WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Palestinian‑born careers adviser at a Sydney government school has filed a federal racial‑discrimination claim after a school official allegedly ordered him to stop wearing a keffiyeh, a symbol of Middle‑East solidarity, citing potential discord.

The adviser, Wasim El‑Haj, joined Sydney Girls High School in 2019 and had served 15 years of students in a 650‑student selective inner‑city school. In March 2024, the acting principal reportedly told him that wearing the keffiyeh “may cause discord” among pupils and staff. El‑Haj says he was asked to remove the garment during a staff meeting.

El‑Haj filed the lawsuit in the Federal Court of Australia on June 12, alleging that the directive violated the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. “I was told to remove a garment that represents my cultural identity,” he told the court. His lawyer, Maria Thompson, added, “This case tests how far schools can go in regulating cultural expression while still upholding anti‑discrimination law.”

New South Wales operates 2,400 schools nationwide, and dress‑code policy changes can set precedents. The state’s Department of Education has previously issued guidelines on “neutral attire” to avoid “disruptive symbols.” Critics argue that such policies may disproportionately target students and staff of minority backgrounds.

The lawsuit seeks $50,000 in damages and a review of the school’s dress‑code policy. A hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026, after the court granted an expedited review. The outcome could influence how NSW schools address cultural symbols and conflict‑prevention measures.

Key Takeaways

• Racial‑discrimination claim filed against NSW over keffiyeh directive.
• Potential policy shift in dress codes across 2,400 NSW schools.
• Case may set precedent for balancing cultural expression and school harmony.

The case underscores the ongoing tension between cultural identity and institutional policy. Stakeholders in education and multicultural advocacy will monitor the court’s decision for its implications on future dress‑code regulations.