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Kochi, Oct 13 (IANS) Controversy erupted at St Rita’s School in Palluruthy in Kochi after a student wearing a hijab was stopped from attending classes, following which some organizations issued threats against the school and threatened to close it for two days.
The management reported that the school had received threats demanding permission to wear hijab and that the temporary closure on Monday and Tuesday was aimed at ensuring the safety of other students.
The student’s father claimed that his daughter faced mental harassment in school for wearing hijab and has lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister and the Education Minister.
However, school officials say the action was taken because the student failed to follow the prescribed school uniform.
The principal emphasized that institutional discipline requires compliance with uniform rules, and allowing one student to disregard them could pressure others to do the same.
According to the school, the student had been attending classes without hijab for the last four months.
She started wearing it again last Tuesday, after which the management banned her.
Officials alleged that the student’s decision was influenced by outside parties who were attempting to create conflict within the school.
He said other students felt scared during the incident.
The management reiterated that uniforms play an important role in maintaining discipline and granting exceptions may weaken the overall rules of the school.
Joining the issue was former Kerala BJP president K. Surendran, who said, “Extremists pampered by @pinarayivijayan’s communists and @RahulGandhi’s Congress are now dictating what can and cannot happen in Kerala. St. Rita’s Public in Kochi after threats from religious fundamentalists demanding the right to wear hijab The school has been temporarily closed. More than 600 children have now been denied their right to education. Parents are living in fear. Kerala government should stop bowing to extremists, reopen St. Rita’s School!” Surendran wrote on his social media page.
The dispute continues debate over religious rights, school discipline and student safety, as officials, parents and community leaders seek a resolution acceptable to all parties.
–IANS
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