The Kerala High Court on Monday granted police protection for a CBSE-affiliated school in Kochi following a row over the demand for a student to be allowed to wear the hijab. On Friday, a group of people had stormed into St Rita’s Public School in the Palluruthy area, demanding that a student be allowed to wear the hijab, which the parent-teacher association has said is contrary to the school’s uniform dress code. The management of the school on Monday approached the High Court, seeking police protection. The school also declared holidays for two days to avert a law and order issue. PTA president Joshy Kaithavalappil said, “She joined the school in June this year and followed the dress code — pants and shirt for girls — till October 6. At the time of admission in June, we had clearly mentioned the uniform, and the girl’s parents agreed. Of the 450-odd students, 117 are Muslims. Only one student wants to challenge the uniform, and the PTA is totally against this demand. We suspect the role of extremist elements behind the demand. Those who protested at the school are not local people.” School principal Heleena Alby told the media that the girl and her parents were clearly briefed about the school uniform. “The school has been functioning since 1998. This is the first time that the school has witnessed such an issue. The parents and a group of people reached the school and created a commotion last Friday. Teachers and students are tense. Hence, we decided to remain closed for two days,” she said. The girl’s father told the media that the family had approached the school three-four times, demanding the right to wear the hijab. “If my daughter wears a hijab, how will it lead to loss of uniformity,” he asked. Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty told the media that the educational officer has been asked to look into the matter. “All students have to follow the school uniform. There should not be a tense situation,” he said.
