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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Friday, November 8, 2024

Vegetarian Meals in Schools Not Discriminatory

Published: 2024-10-12

In several Swedish municipalities, students who abstain from eating pork for religious reasons are now offered vegetarian meals on days when pork is served in schools.

This change in policy has led to around 20 complaints being filed with the Discrimination Ombudsman (DO), as some students feel discriminated against.

However, the DO has decided not to pursue these complaints further.

According to Karin Ahlstrand Oxhamre, head of the DO's Legal Unit, as long as the vegetarian meals provided are nutritious and free of charge, this policy does not constitute discrimination under the law.

Municipalities like Uddevalla and Varberg have implemented this policy, offering no alternative meat options when pork is on the menu.

The DO will soon close the cases related to these complaints.