Hijab row: student to attend classes from today

Parents of the girl student who had insisted that their ward should be allowed to attend school wearing a hijab have decided to adhere to the school’s dress code.

The private school in Kochi had earlier declared a two-day holiday after tensions arose following the school’s decision not to let the girl attend classes wearing a hijab.

“She will attend classes starting Wednesday. We have decided to abide by the school management’s conditions,” said the parent. 

The incident occurred at St. Rita’s Public School at Palluruthy in Kochi. According to the school management, the head scarf goes against the dress code of the institution.

Sources at the school said that it would reopen on Wednesday and that the student could attend classes if she followed the dress code. “She can continue to attend the classes.  The school isn’t denying education to anyone. But we need the students to comply with the school’s rules and discipline,” said Parent Teacher Association president Joshi Kaithavalappil. 

Subin Paul, Deputy Director of Education, Ernakulam said that since the issue had been solved, the department would not get involved in the issue any more. Earlier, he had said that the student had the right to attend classes as per law and that wearing a hijab could not be a reason for denying the right to study.

Minister’s stance

Meanwhile, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said that the school should grant permission for the student to continue studies wearing a headscarf, which was part of her religious beliefs. In a release issued by him, he noted that as per a report submitted by the Deputy Director of Education, expelling the student from class for wearing a headscarf was dereliction of duty and violation of the Right to Education Act. The report also stated that the school’s action was contrary to the fundamental freedom of religion of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution. The school Principal and manager have been strictly instructed to fully resolve the mental distress experienced by the student and her parents and submit a report in this regard before 11 a.m. on Wednesday.