Germany is a democracy. Article 4 of the German Constitution states that "The undisturbed practice of religion shall be guaranteed." This means that Muslim German teachers have the right to practice their religion by wearing headscarves.

Let people wear what they want. Schools say they don't want religious items worn, but what if a non-Muslim teacher wanted to wear a headscarve for...let's say fashion reasons? Would this be allowed?

Unless their is a specific dress code that was created before this became an issue there is no legitimate reason for teachers to not be allowed to wear what they want.

The tremendous influx of Turks began after WW II in order to rebuild roads, bridges, buildings and homes. The city of Berlin, where I was born, was one of the cities that was in dire need, having been 80% destroyed by the bombings there. Gone were the young men of Berlin and many other cities. The invitation to come to work there was extended and gratefully accepted by this very poor nation. Many who came to work there began to realize that their families would be best served by trying to establish German citizenship and not return to Turkey. Today, the Turkish people that live in Germany are the largest community outside of Turkey. A large majority have gained citizenship and continue to thrive there.

The Turks have assimilated themselves into the German culture very well throughout all these years but remain true to their religious beliefs and retain many of their own customs. It stands to reason that these wonderful people have now built a better life for themselves and participate in German business as well as education and all other areas of life there. Now that they have become a part of the life there they wish to remain true to many of their customs and traditions which include their women not exposing themselves to men outside of their own family by donning the "hijab" in all public places.

I see nothing in the least wrong with this. In what was a primarily a Catholic and Protestant country, the old rules can no longer apply. The people of Islam enjoy the freedom to practice and believe in Allah and with that comes some very ancient Muslim teachings, but ancient or not, this is what they are expected to adhere to and do. Some type of integration in this matter must occur and I believe it falls to the Democratic legislature to review the concerns of these very worthy people who are now part of the German culture and citizenry.

I'm going on this side, but because I'm assuming a couple things.

1. they have no problem with teachers wearing a crucifix.

2. the headscarf doesn't interfere with lessons.

Assuming these two things, they certainly should be able to wear it.

Why they would want to is another thing.

But if I'm missing some piece of the puzzle, like if no religious paraphanalia is allowed in schools, from any religion, then I change my mind.

Germany is a very different country from America, but I like to think that the Goals of America are still very important.

They SHOULD allow it because people should have the right to express w/e religion they want. Now, I do understand that especially at this time Islam is seen as a violent, sociopathic movement, but a headscarf doesn't scream "DEATH TO AMERICA". I'm tired of people trying to quiet the religious of any kind, let people live their own fuckin' lives.

Also, as long as it doesn't interfere with their work. I mean, it's unlikely that it would, but if it turns out there was an interference, than it's reasonable.