Government shuts down problematic Islamic schools

AMSTERDAM – Three Islamic schools in Amsterdam will be shut down at the end of the current school year, forcing parents to enroll their children in other schools in the Dutch capital. The Islamic schools had been judged sub-standard, even after being given time to implement required changes. The schools attempted to merge with another school community but its employees, through their advisory council, blocked the proposal. They reasoned that Islamic schools must be run by an Islamic board. The other Islamic school did not qualify for a take-over because it too is not fully meeting Dutch educational standards and has been accused of encouraging Islamic extremism. The decision to close the schools was taken by Junior Education Minister Dijksma.