Despite Exams, Students Refuse To Give Up On Hijab To Enter Classrooms In Karnataka

Amid ongoing pre-board examinations, around 13 students of KPS school in Shivamogga refused to take off their hijabs and were hence not allowed to write the examination. 

Authorities have stated that the girls will be given another chance to attempt the examination only if they agree to remove their hijab. 

The girls, however, refused and were sent back home.

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.

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.

Schools in Karnataka reopened after a five-day break due to the ensuing hijab row and videos have emerged showing school authorities coercing students wearing a hijab to unveil themselves before entering the gates of the school. 

Raghupathi Bhat, Bharatiya Janata Party (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.

“Schools up to 10 standard will re-open from tomorrow. I’ve instructed the DCs, SPs and school administrations to conduct a peace committee meeting,” Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Sunday while warning troublemakers of legal action.

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

The Karnataka High Court on Monday will resume hearing the pleas filed by Muslim girls to be allowed to attend classes wearing hijabs.