Source Cambridge News

MUSLIM women will be allowed to don burkas under their mortar boards at Cambridge University graduation ceremonies.

The strict dress code for the end-ofterm events has been lifted by university dons, it emerged this week.

Muslim leaders have welcomed the rule change but BNP leader and Downing College law graduate Nick Griffin has criticised the move to allow the veil.

The university's website outlines the hard-line dress code which is "strictly enforced at ceremonies, and if you do not observe it, you may not be permitted to graduate on a particular occasion".

Ahsan Mohammed, a Newmarket Muslim leader, said: "I think it's a very sensible decision by the university. I think it's the right thing to do and I hope that others will follow."

But Nick Griffin told the News: "It is no surprise. There are a disproportionate number of Muslim students in our colleges and universities already.

"In 20 years time it will become compulsory for all women students to wear the burka."

The rules have been changed after Scottish students demanded they be allowed to wear kilts.

A Cambridge University spokesman said: "Religious dress and cultural observations are allowed. Students are required to wear dark clothing and dark undergarments.

"Military uniform is allowed at the discretion of the college. This was clarified in 2005 when the ban on wearing kilts was lifted.

" We would allow the wearing of the full burka if that's what the student wore day to day. So far we have had no requests to wear the burka."

Last week Shawana Bilqes, 18, was asked to remove her full burka when she tried to enrol at Burnley College at the start of term.

College principal John Smith said all students and staff wear photo ID for security, so common sense dictated that the authorities must see her face.

In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy said in June that the burka reduced women to servitude and undermined their dignity.

Wearing the burka has been banned in French public schools since 2004 under a law that outlaws any clearly visible religious symbols being worn by students.