In her new book, Dr. Fawziah al-Bakr, a professor at KSU, criticizes our educational system, and describes school as a locked box. She believed that “because we were unaware of what was going on in the locked box – at least for the past 20 years – that a number of elements which ultimately led to terrorism crept in.”

Dr. al-Bakr says that Kingdom’s girls’ schools were virtual prisons with high walls, barred windows, and locked doors from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. She also mentioned that such schools have produced girls with no identity.

One of the most important points she made was about those who claims to be defending religion and traditions. She says that there is a general trend in Saudi society for anyone who says that he/she is defending tradition or religious values to be allowed to get away with almost anything. I know that she will receive shit from such people, and I really admire her courage to speak her mind.

Fawziah al-Bakr’s My School Is a Locked Box is available in Arabic in local bookstores.