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Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 17 (IANS) The principal of St. Rita’s High School, Palluruthy near Kochi, on Friday said the educational institution would wholeheartedly welcome the student if she decides to come back.
The school was at the center of controversy last week when the father of a Class 8 student raised concerns over his daughter not being allowed to wear a hijab.
Private school officials said it was against their rules. The situation worsened after State Education Minister V. Sivankutty sought an immediate report from district education officers.
By then the student’s father had agreed to follow the rules, but after being sternly spoken to by the minister, the student did not return to the class.
Sources said that the girl’s parents are not interested in sending their daughter back.
On Friday, Sivankutty again strongly criticized the school management’s handling of the situation and accused it of trying to politicize the matter.
He further said, “There is a deliberate attempt to blame the government. The management should not try to challenge the state.” He warned against further provocation and said those responsible would have to answer.
Soon after Sivankutty’s statement, the school principal told the media that she wanted to thank the High Court and their legal expert for helping her.
The principal said, “We also want to thank the education minister. Our aim is to uplift our students. We also thank Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, who intervened in the issue and our MLAs K. Babu, Shon George (BJP leader) who came to us when the issue came up. High officials of our church also stood with us, and so did the media.”
The principal said, “If the student comes back, we are all wholeheartedly ready to welcome her and hope for the best. We offer the Indian system of education to preserve the 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.”
“There are some issues before the court and hence we will always respect the legal system and the government,” the principal said.
–IANS
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