A leading British Muslim organisation has said wearing a full face veil does not affect a teacher’s ability to communicate with her class.
Bashir Chaudhry, chairman of the League of British Muslims, was responding to comments made by the former Archbishop of Canterbury.
Rowan Williams believes “panic” expressed over teachers wearing the niqab in class is “largely misplaced”.
Mr Chaudhry, also a trustee at Addeen Primary School, in Oxford Road, Ilford, said teachers were allowed to take off their niqab once in class.
“I wholeheartedly back what the Archbishop has said - it does not detract from anything,” said Mr Chaudhry. “People are getting panicky because it is new to them - it is an alien culture.
“It is just like nuns wearing a habit. Muslims believe women should not be dressed provocatively, they should not be showing off their body.”
Prime Minister David Cameron has previously said he would “back up” schools and courts that ask women to remove the veil.
It is not the first time Lord Williams has waded into debate on Islam.
In 2008 he said it “seems unavoidable” aspects of Sharia Law would by would be adopted in this country.
On the subject of communicating without being able to see a person’s face, Lord Williams believes you learn to read the conversation “differently”.
“I’ve actually been in public discussions in Pakistan with women wearing full face veil, and you learn to read differently - there’s a cultural obstacle to overcome.”
Mr Chaudhry agreed you do not have to use body language to communicate successfully.
He also added: “You cannot force someone to wear a niqab by faith - ultimately it is up to them.
“But when you have pupils aged between 16 to 18 that is a different ball game.
“You do hear about boys and girls entering relationships with their teacher - we read about it all the time.”