Kerala Hijab controversy escalates as student withdraws from school

In the latest chapter of Kerala’s heated hijab debate, a student in Kochi has decided to withdraw from St Rita’s School in Palluruthy after being denied permission to wear a hijab, citing emotional distress caused by the school’s rigid stance.

The girl, who joined the school in June and began wearing a hijab in class from October 8, faced opposition from school authorities who insisted on adherence to the uniform dress code. The decision sparked protests from the local Muslim community, compelling the school to seek police protection and approach the High Court amid rising tensions.

Speaking to the media, the student’s father said the school’s position had deeply hurt his daughter. “The principal said my daughter wearing a hijab would create fear among others. That has pained her,” he said. “I do not want this issue to escalate into a communal divide between Christians and Muslims.

The school claims to uphold a secular dress code — is my daughter’s shawl not secular? The government has responded favorably to our complaint, but I hope this matter does not worsen.”

St Rita’s principal Heleena Alby stated that the girl could continue her education if she complied with the school’s rules. “Many issues regarding this matter are currently before the court. Let the law take its own course,” she remarked.

Taking a firm stance, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty condemned the school’s handling of the matter. “The girl has every right to study here. The reasons behind her decision to leave must be examined, and the school must answer to the government,” he said. “The Constitution, the National Education Policy, and the Right to Education Act must guide these decisions. She is under mental pressure, and this issue should have been resolved. The government will ensure her protection and continued education. We cannot accept the arrogant stance of the school authorities.”

Following a complaint from the student’s parent, Sivankutty had initiated a departmental probe that found lapses on the part of the school. He subsequently directed the institution to allow the girl to wear the hijab.

The controversy has ignited widespread discussion on social and traditional media, reflecting deeper societal debates over religion, education, and personal rights. Catholic daily Deepika framed the incident as a consequence of “political silence on fundamentalism,” while Muslim-affiliated daily Suprabhatham criticized the school, asserting that “those who place themselves above the Constitution are not only communal but anti-national.”

As the debate intensifies, the student’s withdrawal underscores the personal toll such disputes can take, highlighting the delicate balance between institutional rules and individual rights in India’s schools.