School in Lapinlahti may face scrutiny over religious practices and owes students compensation

In Lapinlahti, a school facing scrutiny over its religious practices may owe students compensation totaling thousands of euros from the municipality. According to special advisor Matti Jutila from the Equality Ombudsman’s office, some students may have experienced discrimination in this case. As of Thursday morning, no contacts regarding the situation had been received by the office.

Earlier this week, the principal of a small school in Paloisten received a serious warning from the Regional State Administrative Agency over the school’s religious practices, which included daily prayers and hymns. The principal defended these practices as part of a longstanding tradition, but the agency noted that such actions violate educational laws.

Generally, the Equality Ombudsman’s office, established in 2015, can be contacted by anyone, including those who have not personally faced discrimination. However, Jutila indicated that cases already addressed by another authority typically won’t be processed unless the contactor is themselves a victim or their representative.

Jutila stated that they receive dozens of reports each year related to violations of religious freedom in schools, most of which are resolved through counseling. The office refers to guidelines from the National Agency for Education and encourages reporters to communicate the information to their educational institutions. If the matter is not resolved, they can reach out again.

Compensation has been awarded in two settlements facilitated by the Equality Ombudsman regarding similar violations in schools. Most recently, a high school student in Kauhajoki received €2,500 in compensation for incidents during church-led morning assemblies. While the Ombudsman’s settlement proposals are not legally binding, disputes can be escalated to the Equality and Non-Discrimination Tribunal, whose rulings are legally enforceable.

Reports to the Equality Ombudsman regarding religious freedom violations have increased lately, which Jutila attributes to explicit provisions in the Equality Act affirming victims’ rights to compensation.