A missionary school in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district reportedly barred a Muslim student from wearing a headscarf while reasoning that it does not conform to the ‘dress code’.
The incident took place in Anand Bhavan School in Nagar Kotwali area.
When the student’s father objected to this diktat, school principal Archana Thomas in a written reply asked him to get his daughter admitted to an Islamic school if he can’t abide by the rules laid by them.
She also asked him to not question the school management’s decision on this issue. Further, the student was asked not to wear the headscarf to school again.
The letter read, “It is to clarify to you that this is a minority school, but there are many communities in minority category, and one community cannot impose its rules on other communities.”
The father of the student concerned, Mohammad R Rizvi, said that as per Islamic tradition, his daughter has to cover her hair after reaching the age of nine. Some reports claim that the student’s scarf was also snatched away by the principal.
In addition, Rizvi met the District Magistrate regarding the school’s order, but to no avail.
Meanwhile, the school principal clarified that she did not imply that the student concerned should seek admission particularly in an Islamic school.
“It said if they have a problem with the rules, they can admit their child in another school, not necessarily an Islamic school,” Thomas said.
India today
