Kochi school reopens after two-day closure over hijab row involving Class 8 student

Kochi: A church-run public school in Palluruthy reopened on Wednesday after remaining closed for two days due to a dispute involving a Muslim student’s right to wear a hijab. The student, who is in Class 8, was absent on Wednesday due to health reasons, school sources confirmed.

The management of St Rita’s Public School had declared a holiday on Monday and Tuesday following growing tensions after the student’s parents insisted on her right to wear the religious headscarf in class.

Police presence was noted at the school premises on Wednesday, while media personnel were denied entry to the campus.

Minister Backs Student’s Right to Wear Hijab

State General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Tuesday stepped in to support the student, reiterating her constitutional right to wear a hijab in class.

"The student can attend the classes wearing a hijab until she and her parents decide otherwise," said Sivankutty.

"Students' rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and educational laws in the country and in the state," he added.

He also directed school authorities to allow the student to continue her education while observing her religious practice and requested a report explaining why she was previously denied this right.

PTA Seeks Clarity from Government

Despite the minister’s assurance, confusion remains at the local level. Joshy, president of the school’s Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA), stated they had not yet received any official directive from the government.

"It’s unclear whether the minister was referring to government-run schools or CBSE schools," he said.

Dispute Sparked by Principal’s Letter

The controversy came to light after a letter from the school principal, Sister Heleena Alby, surfaced on social media. In the letter, she explained that several students, staff members, and individuals not directly associated with the school had taken leave citing mental stress, allegedly caused by pressure from the student and her parents regarding non-compliance with the school’s uniform policy.

Authorities said the situation escalated after the student arrived at school without the prescribed uniform, prompting a wave of leave requests and tension on campus.