The schools watchdog Ofsted has been voted UK Islamophobe of the Year.
Ofsted won the dubious accolade at a ceremony organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission in London on Sunday evening.
Many in the Muslim community feel that Ofsted has targeted Muslim children over the past few years. Several high-performing schools in Birmingham were put in Special Measures by Ofsted and Muslim educationalists were forced out of their jobs following the “Trojan Horse” affair, which was later largely discredited.
The former head of Ofsted, Sir Michael Wilshaw, critcised the wearing of the veil in schools and the current chief, Amanda Spielman, has said that Muslim girls will be questioned by inspectors about why they wear the hijab.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump earned the distinction of the year’s worst Islamophobe for the second year running. Since being elected president he has issued an executive order targeting residents of several Muslim countries that became known as the “Muslim ban.”
The ‘News Media’ gong went to Fox News who have been fierce champions of Donald Trump and his discriminatory policies.
This year’s winner in the “International” category was Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi who has faced fierce criticism for her inaction when it comes to the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people.
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An “honour” was also bestowed on the American television series Homeland in the “Book/Movie/TV” category – a second consecutive win after last year.
The Islamophobia Awards also recognised those who have fought against Islamophobia in the past year – usually against huge odds. This year’s winners included Maz Saleem, who has campaigned against Islamophobia and racism since her father was murdered by a terrorists in 2013; 5Pillars editor Roshan Muhammad Salih; and the Malaysian organisation MAPIM which seeks to unite different Islamic organisations for the sake of the Ummah.
