Hijab ban at school in Kozhikode triggers row, minister orders probe

A government-aided school in Kerala's Kozhikode has triggered a row after the authorities denied permission to a girl student from wearing a hijab when she sought admission at the school.

Following this, Minister for Public Education V. Sivankutty on Friday directed department Director K. Jeevan Babu to conduct an inquiry into the issue of students not being allowed to wear hijab.

The order came in the wake of a complaint filed by the parents of a student, who sought admission at the school for the Plus One course. At the time of admission, the student was reportedly told by the school authorities that she could not wear a shawl or scarf, as it was not part of the school uniform. The father alleged that the principal categorically said that hijab was not allowed when he accompanied his 16-year-old for her admission to the school.

He pointed out that the restriction is against the social fabric and the religious freedom of an individual in a state like Kerala.

The school is under Christian management and run by a congregation called Apostolic Carmel Southern Province.

He noted that although the school uniform is half skirt and top with an overcoat, they were willing to adhere to the rules even though it may make the female students uncomfortable as there are male teachers too.

But, the father remarked that permission to wear a hijab was important.

The father also requested anonymity due to fear that his daughter's career prospects might be affected. The school principal was unavailable for a response.

He also questioned the attire of some of the teachers of the school that reflects their religious faith and asked why is that freedom not extended to the students.

He said this issue is being faced not only by his daughter but many other students. "They don't complain fearing that their kids won't get admission anywhere else," he said.

The incident that took place on Thursday had triggered a row, with Muslim organisations expressing displeasure. The district committee of the Indian National League took out a protest march to the school on Friday, which was blocked by the police at the school entrance.

The Campus Front, a feeder organisation of the Popular Front of India, also took out a march, while Haritha, the women's wing of the Muslim Students Federation, the student organisation under the Indian Union Muslim League, chose to discuss the issue with the school authorities.

School principal Silvi told Media One that there was no change in school norms. "The things have been explained to them (the father and the daughter). There is an option for the student to get a transfer from the school. In this school this would be the norm," the principal said.