Kerala girl hasn't attended school since October over hijab row
A Class 8 student in Kerala has been missing classes since early October 2024 after her school—St. Rita's Public School in Palluruthy—refused to let her wear a hijab, citing its uniform policy.
Her parents first agreed to the dress code but later changed their minds and tried moving her to another school.
School's stance, minister's views
Now, her family is waiting for the Kerala High Court's decision before making any moves.
The school says she can return if she leaves the hijab at home, but her father says that's not an option because of how much this has hurt their daughter.
Kerala's Education Minister V Sivankutty has openly criticized the school's stance.
Broader implications of the case
This incident has prompted a statewide survey by the Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation to find out which schools restrict religious clothing and call them out publicly.
The case highlights ongoing tension in Kerala between uniform policies and students' right to express their faith—a debate that could shape future rules for everyone.