Two students from a church-affiliated school in Kochi, Kerala, have withdrawn after one of them was denied the right to wear a hijab. The girls’ mother, Jesna, accused the school management of bias towards other religions and stated that they have requested transfer certificates to switch to a different school.
Jesna expressed concerns over the school’s policy against hijabs and the intimidating behavior of the Parent-Teacher Association president. She criticized the school’s approach, which she believes reflects a discriminatory attitude towards different religious beliefs and practices.
In a Facebook post, Jesna emphasized the importance of creating a nurturing environment for her children and highlighted her decision to enroll them at Our Lady’s Convent School. She mentioned a nun from the new school who assured her of an inclusive atmosphere for all faiths, ensuring her children’s safety and well-being.
Last week, the school faced upheaval over a student’s desire to wear a hijab, leading to a two-day closure following a Parent-Teacher Association meeting. The principal cited mental stress among staff as the reason for the break, without explicitly addressing the hijab issue.
Congress MP Hibi Eden intervened in the situation, and the student’s parents ultimately agreed to comply with the school’s dress code. Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty criticized the school authorities for expelling the student, citing it as a violation of the Right to Education Act. He emphasized that the school should have permitted the student to continue her studies while wearing the hijab.