Former NSW School Adviser Files Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

A former careers adviser has initiated federal court proceedings against the state of New South Wales, alleging racial discrimination after school administration directed him to stop wearing a keffiyeh. Wasim El-Haj, who worked at Sydney Girls High School, claims the directive came in May 2024, with school leadership characterizing the garment as a symbol of conflict.

El-Haj began wearing the keffiyeh in January 2024, three months after the October 7 attacks by Hamas and Israel's subsequent military response in Gaza. His legal claim asserts that the state's enforcement of neutrality policies resulted in unlawful conduct under the Racial Discrimination Act.

School Policy Cites Neutrality

Internal documentation from the Department of Education indicates the restriction was justified by policies on controversial issues and political neutrality. The department maintained the directive was necessary to ensure the safety and security of the school community during periods of heightened geopolitical tension. An internal appeal filed by El-Haj was subsequently rejected by the department secretary.

The principal of Sydney Girls High School allegedly informed El-Haj that the instruction to remove the keffiyeh originated "from above," possibly from a minister. El-Haj alleges he was told that "any symbol of Palestine is seen as a symbol of conflict."

Resignation and Legal Proceedings

El-Haj resigned from his position in March 2025 after taking an extended leave of absence that began in May 2024. He is suing the state for racial discrimination.

A case management hearing is scheduled for November 3, 2026. The state of New South Wales has not yet filed a formal defense in the federal court proceedings.