Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram: The principal of St. Rita’s High School in Palluruthy, near Kochi, said on Friday that the institution would wholeheartedly welcome the student at the centre of the recent hijab controversy if she decides to return.
The school has been in the spotlight for the past week after the father of an eighth-grade student complained that his daughter was not allowed to wear a hijab on campus, which he said violated her religious rights. The private school’s management maintained that wearing a hijab was against its dress code.
The issue escalated when State Education Minister V. Sivankutty sought an immediate report from the district education authorities. Although the girl’s father later agreed to comply with the school’s rules, the student has not returned to class since the minister’s intervention.
Sources indicated that the parents are currently unwilling to send their daughter back.
On Friday, Minister Sivankutty again criticized the school’s handling of the issue, accusing the management of “politicizing” the matter. “There is a deliberate attempt to blame the government. The management should not try to challenge the state,” he said, warning against further provocation.
Responding to the controversy, the school principal thanked the Kerala High Court, legal experts, and several political leaders for their support. “We also wish to thank the Education Minister. Our aim is to uplift our students. Our thanks also to Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, who intervened in the issue, and to our MLA K.Babu, Shone George (BJP leader), who came to us when the issue surfaced. Our Church higher-ups also stood with us, and the media also,” the principal said.
“If the student returns, we are all wholeheartedly ready to welcome her and hope the best will happen. We offer the Indian way of education to uphold Indian and Kerala culture. Beyond the curriculum, we teach our students human values and the importance of humanity. We also teach them to protect the environment,” she added.
The principal also said the school respected the ongoing legal proceedings and the government’s authority.