‘Can’t Compromise Hijab’: Resistance Grows Against Hijab Ban In Karnataka, Students Refuse To Unveil

Two days since schools across Karnataka re-opened after a five-day break due to the ensuing hijab row, students from multiple schools have refused to remove their hijab in order to attend classes.

The Karnataka High Court’s interim order had declared a ban on ‘religious clothing’ including the hijab until a judgment is reached in the case.

In multiple schools across the state, students have refused to take off their hijabs. “Education is important to us, but we cannot compromise on hijab,” Aliya Meher, a student at Karnataka Public School, Shivamogga told The Cognate.

She along with 12 other students from the school could not attempt their pre-board exams as school authorities demanded that they remove their hijab to write the exam, citing the HC interim order.

The girls, however, refused to give up on the hijab and returned home.

“We have been attending classes and writing exams while wearing a hijab for three years now. We will continue only if they give us back our right,” Meher said.

Around four Muslim teachers of the school have taken leave for 2 days. “I have been wearing a hijab and teaching for 12 years. I cannot just remove it now. I might have to resign if this is made a rule,’ one of them, told The Cognate. 

Today, more than 80 students of classes 8,9, & 10 did not turn up for classes at Government Urdu School in Kalaburgi. Yesterday, they had come wearing a hijab but were coerced into removing it after media reports.

In a school in Mudigere, around 20 hijab-clad students were sent out of class after the police department entered.

More students from Karnataka Public School, Shivamogga, today refused to take off their hijab.

Yesterday, at a public school in Kodagu’s Nelli Hudikeri, around 30 students went back home after the management refused to allow them entry with Hijab. 

Parents of students have also resisted the recent order. 

In Government Urdu school, Gadag, students entered wearing hijab but were later sent out. Parents protested outside the gate.

A student of Ghousia College, Mandya also returned home after she was not permitted to attend classes with a hijab.

Raghupathi Bhat, BJP MLA of Udupi issued a statement saying, “In colleges where uniform is not followed and hijab was earlier allowed, students will be allowed to wear hijab. In colleges where it was not earlier allowed, status quo will continue.”

“This would mean Udupi PU College for Girls, where six students have been protesting for hijab will not allow hijab. But in a college like MGM college where students were reportedly allowed to wear hijab will continue to allow the same,” he added.

Pre-University and degree colleges are shut till 15 February.

The Karnataka High Court continues hearing the pleas filed by Muslim girls to be allowed to attend classes wearing hijabs.