London's biggest NHS Trust is facing legal action over its “discriminatory” uniform policy silencing support for Palestine.
Barts Health NHS Trust in East London has reportedly banned staff from displaying symbols seen as politically or nationally affiliated.
But Ahmad Baker, a British-Palestinian nurse, claims the ban is disproportionate after he was ordered by his managers at Whipps Cross Hospital to remove a video call background that contained a watermelon.
The fruit has become a symbol of solidarity amid the war in Gaza due to its colors mirroring the flag of Palestine, although bosses claim it could be perceived as “antisemitic”.
In March, the trust updated its uniform and dress code policy, which extends to items on workstations, laptops and iPads.
However, Mr Baker pointed to the fact that the trust has openly supported Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
He told The Guardian: “As a Palestinian, I should be able to express my identity and solidarity with my people, especially during a humanitarian crisis.
“Being told that a still-life painting containing a watermelon could be perceived as antisemitic and being threatened with disciplinary action is deeply upsetting.
Mr Baker, who has worked in the NHS for a decade, has now launched the legal action alongside other trust employees Dr Aarash Saleh, a respiratory consultant, and Dr Sara Ali, a haematology registrar.
The trio have shared a CrowdJustice page to help them raise money to fight the case. More than half has already been raised of a £50,000 target.
A spokesman for Barts Health NHS Trust said: “We recognise the distress that global conflict has for our diverse workforce and continue to support their wellbeing as they serve our patients.
“However, as an NHS organisation our primary responsibility is care for patients.”
