NEWS.COM.AU | By Melissa Meehan & Angus Livingston AAP
THE principal of Al-Taqwa College has denied claims girls aren't allowed to participate in running events because it may cause them to lose their virginity or become infertile.
OMAR Hallak said all students at the Islamic college in Melbourne's west are able to participate in a range of sport such as athletics, including running over distances.
"Girls are encouraged to participate in all activities, with participation being subject to parental consent," Mr Hallak said in a statement on Thursday.
"We do not believe that running excessively may cause female students to lose their virginity or that sporting injuries could render them infertile."
Mr Hallak came under scrutiny after a leaked letter from a former teacher said girls were being discriminated against.
"The principal holds beliefs that if females run excessively, they may 'lose their virginity'," the teacher's letter said.
College students also reportedly wrote a letter to Mr Hallak asking to be allowed to run in a cross country event, after they were banned
Education Minister James Merlino says the Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority was investigating, and the comments would be concerning if proved true.
"There are minimum standards under the VRQA for a school's registration," Mr Merlino told reporters on Thursday.
"There are eight nationally agreed learning areas, including health and PE."
Mr Merlino said there are a range of sanctions available to the VRQA, including ultimately revoking registration.
Mr Hallak was in trouble last month when he told students the Islamic State extremist group was a Western plot.
Mr Merlino said Al-Taqwa had been co-operative since that incident.
"There's been discussions over the last few weeks between government representatives and the school; there will be cross cultural activities undertaken following those comments of a month or so ago," he said.
