Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Some private girls' schools for girls have suspended physical education classes and removed all sports equipment in clear violation of the Ministry of Education's directives asking them to provide playing grounds and hold sports classes for girl students, according to sources cited by Al-Sharq Arabic daily. The ministry requires all private schools to implement these decisions based on a fatwa issued by late Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Baz in which he permitted sports classes for girls as long as they abide by the Shariah laws. However, Muhammad Al-Dakhini, Ministry of Education spokesman, refuted reports claiming that some private schools have suspended sports classes this semester. The spokesman stressed that all private schools have complied with the ministry's decision. Othman Al-Qasabi, chairman of the private education committee in the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was “surprised” when he learned that some schools canceled their basketball, soccer, and volleyball classes. “This is a clear circumvention of the ministry's regulations. These schools should immediately provide alternative sports classes,” he said.
