AUTHORITIES will probe shock claims as a Melbourne Islamic high school denies that girls are being banned from running to protect their virginity.

The Victorian Government says it will investigate claims after a former teacher at Truganina’s Al-Taqwa College alleged that principal Omar Hallak stopped girls from running in cross country events in 2013 and 2014, Fairfax Media reported.

He raised the alarm after complaints from girls they were being discriminated against.

But the principal today issued a statement denying the claims.

“Contrary to reports in the media, female students at Al-Taqwa College participate in all range of sporting activities such as track and field (including running over a range of distances, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, athletics), basketball, cricket, hockey, tennis and netball.

“Other recreational activities on camps include low rope climbing, bush walking, archery, golf, volleyball and table tennis, as well as other indoor and outdoor activities.

“Girls are encouraged to participate in all activities, with participation subject to parental consent.

“We do not believe that running excessively may cause female students to lose their virginity or that sporting injuries could render them infertile.”

Victorian Education minister James Merlino confirmed an investigation was underway and said he was concerned by the allegations.

“As a father of two girls and the minister of education, if these claims are true they would be very, very concerning,” he said.

“It is appropriate for the VRQA (Victorian Registrations and Qualifications Authority) to investigate these matters.

“Let me be clear when the bell rings in the morning male and female students must get the same access to activities.”

Mr Merlino said his office recieved a complaint letter this week and the government would not take action until the investigation was wrapped up.

“We must test the voracity of these claims and then we will take action.”

Mr Merlino said the authority had the power to force sanctions on Schools and funding if investigations uncovered issues with meeting governance standards.

Islamic Council of Victoria general manager Nail Aykan said his first reaction would be to clarify the accuracy of the allegation.

“But if it was true, it’s an absurd statement and absurd thinking and has no place in our society,” Mr Akyan told news.com.au.

“If anyone thinks as such then it is pure stupidity.”

“We would ask him (the principal) to realise the absurdity of such thinking and apologise and learn from his mistake and that these types of comments are not on.”

He said these types of attitudes did not have a place in any school, public or private

Fairfax earlier reported the former teacher wrote a letter this week that said: “The principal holds beliefs that if females run excessively, they may ‘lose their virginity’.”

The teacher alleged that Mr Hallak also believed there was scientific evidence “that if girls injure themselves, such as break their leg while playing soccer, it could render them infertile”.

The school’s website prominently plugs its sporting facilities, which include 10 running tracks and a multipurpose complex.

“We would like to encourage students to be more active and involved in the sporting activities,” the website says.

Girls at Al-Taqwa College also wrote to the principal to express their concerns, Fairfax reported.

“Just because we are girls doesn’t mean we can’t participate in running events,” they wrote.

“It also doesn’t say girls can’t run in the hadith (the sayings of Muhammad).”

Mr Hallak previously drew the ire of Mr Merlino when he reportedly told some students that Islamic State was a Western plot.

Mr Merlino said last month that Mr Hallak’s comments were reckless and would confuse youths.

“The best way to tackle radicalisation is through education of young people,” Mr Merlino said.

“The worst thing you can do is put reckless and dangerous ideas into their heads.”

tom.minear@news.com.au

Twitter: @tminear