Kochi, October 14:
The controversy surrounding a student being prevented from wearing a hijab at St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi, was resolved on Tuesday after the student’s parents agreed to comply with the school’s prescribed uniform policy.
Parents agree to follow rules after mediation
The matter drew attention earlier this week when a Class VIII student was stopped from wearing a hijab in school, prompting a heated debate on social media. The issue was settled following mediation talks led by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, who confirmed that the parents had agreed to follow the school’s uniform guidelines.
Speaking to reporters, Eden said the controversy was being sensationalised by certain groups attempting to create communal tension.
“Any such attempts to destroy the communal harmony of the region will be strongly resisted,” he stated.
The MP also mentioned that the student’s parents expressed a clear desire to continue their daughter’s education at the same school and assured that she would wear the prescribed uniform.
School maintains it followed uniform policy
The school authorities clarified that the student had previously been attending classes in the standard uniform and had only recently started wearing the hijab. Officials said that they informed the parents immediately that wearing the hijab was not part of the school’s uniform policy.
The school administration denied allegations of harassment, stating that no student was treated unfairly and that the uniform policy applies equally to all students.
Following the incident, the school had declared a two-day holiday to ease tensions and prevent further unrest.
Political reactions and government intervention
While the dispute seemed to have been settled amicably, the controversy drew state-wide political attention. Later in the day, Kerala Education Minister issued directions to the school to allow the student to wear the hijab, citing the importance of protecting individual rights and religious freedom under the Constitution.
The incident comes amid an ongoing national debate over religious attire in educational institutions, following similar cases in Karnataka and other states.
Community calls for restraint and harmony
Community leaders and educationists in Kochi called for restraint, urging that such issues be handled within school frameworks rather than turning them into communal or political flashpoints.
“School policies must maintain discipline, but cultural sensitivity and inclusion are equally vital,” said a local education expert.
Residents in Palluruthy expressed relief after the resolution, hoping that students would be able to return to classes without further disruption.
Conclusion
The quick resolution of the hijab dispute highlights the importance of dialogue and sensitivity in addressing uniform-related concerns. Both parents and school officials have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that education continues without discrimination or communal divisions.