Kerala minister offers support to girl refused entry over hijab
What's the story
Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has offered to help a Muslim student who was denied entry into a Kochi school for wearing a hijab. The student, studying in Class VIII at St Rita's School, was barred from attending classes after she insisted on wearing her hijab despite the school's dress code. The incident has sparked widespread controversy and debate over religious freedom and educational policies.
Admission assistance
'No student should miss out on educational opportunities'
Minister Sivankutty said, "So, if the student is interested and she approaches the government, we will take steps to get her admission in any school she wishes to join through a special order." He also stressed that no student should miss out on educational opportunities due to such issues. The minister further stated that St Rita's School management is responsible for any mental stress caused to the girl.
Parental support
Student's father speaks out
The student's father has also expressed his concerns, saying she has been under severe stress due to the incident. He said they have already approached other schools for admission and decided not to send her back to St Rita's School. "My daughter has been under severe stress after the hijab incident," he said. "She clearly said she doesn't want to return, so we decided to respect her wishes."
Political backing
IUML supports Sivankutty's stand
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also expressed its dissatisfaction with the school management, with its national general secretary, P K Kunhalikutty, slamming the school's decision to bar the student from wearing a hijab as "utmost intolerance." He said it was an "unfortunate incident" that "should not have happened in a state like Kerala," and accused some vested interests of trying to create issues deliberately.
Management criticism
Controversy reaches political circles
Kunhalikutty also criticized the school management's stance on the matter, calling it "very undesirable." He said their media statements were a reflection of intolerance. The controversy over the hijab row has now reached political circles, with both Sivankutty and Kunhalikutty weighing in on it. Earlier, the Kerala High Court had ordered police protection for St Rita's School after parents and others questioned its dress code policy.