Kochi School Hijab Controversy: Parents Transfer Student

Kochi, Oct 19 (PTI): The parents of a student who faced restrictions over wearing a hijab at a church-managed school in Palluruthy have opted to transfer their daughter to another institution. The father of the class eight student from St Rita’s Public School informed PTI on Friday that they would not be sending her back to the school. "My daughter has been under immense stress following the hijab incident. She explicitly stated she doesn’t want to return, so we have chosen to honor her wishes," he explained.

He mentioned that the family is seeking admission at other schools. "We are negotiating with one school that has expressed willingness to admit her, but we are evaluating all options," he said. According to him, the faculty and management of St Rita’s School have not reached out to the family since the controversy began. "My daughter has missed classes for the past two days, and we have not been contacted by the school," he reported.

The controversy began when the school objected to the student wearing a hijab, citing its dress code regulations. On October 10, the student's parents, along with others, approached the school to challenge the management’s position, which led to the school declaring a two-day holiday. Subsequently, the Kerala High Court instructed that police protection be provided to the school.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who initially criticized the institution, later announced that the issue was settled amicably. He recently advised the school's management to avoid making any comments against the government and the education department.