Kochi institution temporary closed for two days to ease tension
KOCHI — Tensions flared at St. Rita’s School in Palluruthy, Kochi in Kerala, after a student wearing a hijab was denied entry to class, triggering public backlash and prompting a temporary two-day closure of the institution.
The CBSE-affiliated institution announced that it would remain closed on Monday and Tuesday after a meeting of the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) decided to suspend classes to ease tensions.
According to sources, the disagreement arose after the student’s parents insisted that their daughter be allowed to wear a hijab.
The student’s father who has lodged complaints with the chief minister and the education minister said that his daughter faced mental harassment at school for wearing a hijab.
School authorities, however, said that the action was taken because the student failed to adhere to the prescribed school uniform.
Speaking to a TV channel, Sr Heleena said she had submitted a complaint to the Palluruthy police after the student’s father, along with about six others, came to the school premises on Friday (October 10), demanding that the girl be allowed to wear the hijab. “Their approach was provocative and threatening in nature,” she alleged.
The principal appealed for parents’ cooperation and reiterated the school’s commitment to “providing value-based education in accordance with the discipline and regulations of the institution.
The case has reignited a debate over religious freedom and the right to express one’s faith in educational institutions. — With agencies’ inputs
