Kochi School Declares Holiday Amidst Hijab Controversy and Threats

A hijab controversy has erupted at St. Reetha’s School in Palluruthy, Kochi, leading to a complaint that the school management barred a student from attending classes for wearing a hijab. The school management stated that they received threats demanding permission for the hijab, which prompted them to declare a two-day holiday.

The student’s father claims that his daughter faced mental harassment at school for wearing a hijab. He has lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister and the Education Minister, alleging that his child was subjected to mental distress. Conversely, the school principal clarified that action was taken because the student did not adhere to the uniform prescribed in the school diary.

Authorities stated that the holiday was declared due to threats from certain organizations regarding the hijab issue. School officials also mentioned that the Monday and Tuesday holidays were announced to ensure the safety of other students. However, the parents informed the school authorities that their child would continue to wear the hijab.

PTA President Joshi Kaithavalappil commented on the situation, stating that the demand for a student, who had consistently worn the prescribed school uniform since the school opened until yesterday, to suddenly wear a specific religious attire (hijab) must be questioned from the perspective of institutional discipline. He emphasized that uniforms play a significant role in maintaining the school’s disciplined environment. Granting an exemption to only one student at any point could encourage other students to make similar demands, thereby disrupting the school’s overall disciplinary system.